A knife-wielding man was shot and critically wounded Friday night by an off-duty probation officer during a confrontation in the parking lot of an Ontario shopping center, authorities said.
The incident was reported about 9:40 p.m. near a Smart & Final store in the 1300 block of East 4th Street (map), according to a news release from the Ontario police department.
A couple, one of whom was a Los Angeles County probation officer, was loading groceries into their car when they were approached by 26-year-old Adrian Leatherman, the release said.
Leatherman “demanded a ride but was refused … then produced a knife in a threatening manner” and reiterated the demand, the statement said.
After the officer drew his gun and ordered Leatherman to the ground, the man complied but became “uncooperative and struggle with the officer, who was in fear for his and his family’s safety,” the Police Department said.
The officer opened fire with one shot, which struck Leatherman in the upper torso, according to authorities. No one else was injured in the confrontation.
Ontario police officers responded to the location, where they found the wounded man on the ground. A knife was on the ground near him, the news release said.
Leatherman was treated at the scene, then transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. He underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition.
He “will be charged with attempted carjacking when he is able to be moved,” the Police Department said.