Police attempt to help suicidal man ends in shooting

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- The police response to a suicidal man in a San Leandro neighborhood, ended in an exchange of gunfire and prompted the lockdown of two nearby high schools.

The suspect, who shot at police, will be taken into custody and faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer.

Family members called police hoping to help their loved one who threatened to kill himself.

He locked himself in his car on 137th Avenue armed with a handgun.

Even police are not quite sure what happened next, except that the officers felt threatened and opened fire.

"Officers make critical decision at moment's notice," explained Lt. Robert McManus, with the San Leandro Police Department.

About a dozen officers trained in crisis intervention and hostage negotiations tried to negotiate with the armed suspect before the exchange of gunfire. They were wearing body cameras which will be a critical piece of evidence.

"That info will be downloaded and it will be reviewed. That will help us understand through officers' perspectives and through body camera, what happened," said McManus.

It's not clear if the 46-year-old suspect ended up shooting himself or if he was shot by officers.

He is now in stable condition.

Neighbors are still shocked the violence spilled out onto their streets in broad daylight.

"It's surprising for this neighborhood," said one neighbor.

The Alameda County district attorney's office will be conducting an independent investigation.