BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Dec. 13 (UPI) — A man, 73, was shot and killed by Bakersfield, Calif., police while standing in a driveway near his home, a police spokesman confirmed.
Francisco Serna was pronounced dead at the scene, Bakersfield Police spokesman Sgt. Gary Carruesco said. His family said he was in the early stages of dementia.
Police said they responded to a call, at about 12:30 a.m. Monday, about a man standing in a driveway and holding a gun. When they arrived, a witness directed them to the man. An officer fired several shots, killing him, but Rogelio Serna, the suspect’s son, said police searched the area, including the family’s home and cars, and did not find a weapon.
The son added his father often took walks in the neighborhood when he could not sleep. The incident occurred on the street where Francisco Serna lived with his wife and a daughter. The family said their father did not own guns and was not carrying one when he was shot.
“My dad did not own a gun. He was a 73-year-old retired grandpa, just living life,” Rogelio Serna said. “He should have been surrounded by family at old age, not surrounded by bullets.”
The son added police were called to Francisco Serna’s home at least twice before, because the father inadvertently activated a medical alarm.
The unidentified officer involved in the incident was placed on administrative leave, Carruesco said.
