Mayor Pauline Russo of San Leandro City, California expressed her commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting involving a police officer.

On Saturday, San Leandro Police officers responded to a report that a man was brandishing a baseball bat inside Walmart located at Hesperian Boulevard. Upon arrival, the officers saw a man standing near a shopping cart storage bay holding a baseball bat.

Officers approached the man and asked him to put down the bat. Instead of following the officers’ command, the man walks towards them while still holding the bat.

One of the officers discharged his taser, but the man continued walking towards them. He then discharged his service weapon and shot the man. After a few seconds, another officer discharged his taser at the man.

The officers then called for paramedics but despite providing life-saving measures, the man died at the scene.

The San Leandro Police Department said the victim of the fatal shooting was Steven Taylor. He died of a single gunshot wound to his chest based on the confirmation of the Coroner’s Bureau.

A tragic incident

In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Russo said, “Like so many of you, my heart aches for the loss of life in our community this weekend. The outcome of​ this incident was tragic. I offer heartfelt condolences to the friends, family, and loved ones of Mr. Steven Taylor.”

“It is obvious that this incident has generated strong interest, both from San Leandrans and many others. It is understandable that people will want answers now. To be clear, the City of San Leandro is committed to investigating this incident thoroughly and transparently. We will share more information with the public as soon as we are able to do so.”

Mayor Russo added that the San Leandro Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will immediately conduct separate investigations into the fatal shooting.

Civil rights activists criticize San Leandro Police over fatal shooting

Furthermore, she said, “I ask for your patience. I understand this incident has incited strong emotions. There is also a great deal of conflicting information out there. I want answers to these questions like everyone does because, before reaching conclusions, we need to determine the facts.”

Mayor Russo’s statement comes after Taylor’s family and civil rights activists criticized the San Leandro Police Department and demanded that charges should be brought against the officers involved in the fatal shooting.

Lee Merritt, the lawyer representing Taylor’s family said the officers responded with “excessive and unlawful use of deadly force” to a man suffering from a mental health crisis.