San Francisco police say shooting death was 'suicide by cop'

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco police tell ABC7 News that the shooting death of a man by officers in the city's Mission District on Sunday night appears to be a "suicide by cop."

Investigators say they have hard evidence that points to "blue suicide." They say that the 32-year-old left behind notes to his father, close friends, and one addressed to police officers. The notes indicate he was in a dark place, with financial troubles and failed relationships.

The letter to officers reads: "You did nothing wrong. You ended the life of a man who was too much of a coward to do it himself. I provoked you. I threatened your life as well as the lives of those around me. You were completely within your legal rights to do what you did. You followed protocols. You did everything right. I just want to find peace within myself. I am so sad and I am so lonely. There is no place for me here. Please, don't blame yourself. I used you. I took advantage of you. I am so lost and I am so hopeless. God made a mistake with me. I shouldn't be here. Please, take solace in knowing that the situation was out of your control. You had no other choice."

The shooting happened around 5:20 p.m. Police noticed that he was hanging around the Mission Station's restricted parking lot, which is off limits to the public.

Three sergeants exited their patrol car, asking him to leave. Police Chief Greg Suhr explained what happened after that.

"They exited the car, went to approach him to tell him again, ' hey, you can't be here,' and he went to his waistband where there was the butt of a gun and drew the weapon," said Suhr. "Two sergeants fired, the suspect was hit three times."

The man died from his wounds at San Francisco General Hospital.

Police discovered later that he was carrying an air soft gun. They also say officers had encountered him earlier in the day. At that time, he asked what kind of weapons police carry, which they found a little strange.

Those who live and work around the police station were surprised and shocked when they heard what happened.

"There are so many crazy people in San Francisco that probably need more help than they're getting," said Mission District resident Steve Dell.

Mission District merchant Zarin Kresge added, "I kind of expect to be safer because we are across from police station and I see how gentrified this neighborhood has become with tourists and families. I was surprised to see, in an area like this, that something like that would happen."

Suhr plans to address the neighborhoods concerns at a town hall meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Corner Stone Church.

If you or your loved ones are dealing with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, click here to find some organizations that offer help and hope.