Texas deputies believed man shot dead with hands up had a knife, sheriff says

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/02/texas-deputies-believed-man-shot-dead-with-hands-up-had-a-knife-sheriff-says

Version 0 of 1.

A Texas sheriff said deputies who shot down a man whose hands were raised believed he was holding a knife at the time.

Related: Video ​shows Texas officers shooting man who appears to have his hands up

Sheriff Susan Pamerleau of Bexar County told the San Antonio Express-News that Gilbert Flores was carrying a knife when the deputies confronted him on Friday outside a home north-west of San Antonio, having responded to a domestic disturbance call at 11.30am.

Pamerleau said the deputies believed he was still holding the knife when they shot him.

A motorist captured video showing the 41-year-old Flores standing motionless with his hands raised in apparent surrender when he was shot. A utility pole obscured one of his arms, however.

Pamerleau said investigators were reviewing video of the confrontation. She previously said Flores was armed but did not say what type of weapon he allegedly had.

Deputies Greg Vasquez and Robert Sanchez were placed on administrative leave, pending the investigation.