PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A man who was shot to death by multiple Vancouver police officers after he allegedly pointed a gun at people in a McDonald’s parking lot was found to be using a “modified replica airsoft gun” at the time, officials said.
According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the weapon turned out to be “a replica Colt 1911 airsoft gun” that had been taken out of his pocket prior to him being shot by officers. Officials said he was also in possession of a folding-blade pocketknife. Both the knife and the replica gun were later found at the scene by investigators.
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The person who died was identified as 40-year-old Jonathan West Nelson. Investigators said they’ve been in contact with Nelson’s family and updating them on the new information from the investigation.
Vancouver police officers responded to the scene at the McDonald’s parking lot on Northeast Andersen Road on June 17 around 1 a.m. on reports of a man pointing a gun at people. When they arrived, officers said Nelson did not respond to commands, so they released a K9 on him.