CALIFORNIA MUSICIAN SAYS ACT OF KINDNESS LED TO ARMED CARJACKING AND FATAL POLICE SHOOTING. (PHOTO).

 California musician says act of kindness led to armed carjacking and fatal police shooting

  A Sacramento musician is describing how what he believed was a simple act of kindness ended in a violent carjacking and a fatal police shooting. Alexander Opdyke said he met a man outside a Safeway in Sacramento County who was carrying a gas can and appeared to need help getting to a nearby gas station. He said he offered the man and a companion a ride, but the situation quickly changed once they got inside his vehicle.

Opdyke said the man’s behavior shifted almost immediately, and he soon began making threats to take the car. He recalled the man saying he “had to take this car,” and then allegedly flashing a firearm and claiming it belonged to a law enforcement officer. The musician said the suspect also referenced being wanted for a long prison sentence and escalated the confrontation by brandishing the weapon.

Fearing for his safety, Opdyke said he eventually exited the vehicle. He said the man then fired a shot into the air before driving away with the passenger still inside. Opdyke said the suspect made additional threats, including claims he would kill law enforcement officers and possibly the musician himself, adding that he feared the man could locate his home after seeing documents inside the car.

Authorities said the suspect later led deputies on a pursuit, during which he allegedly pointed a gun at officers. Deputies returned fire, killing the suspect. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident. Opdyke said his newly purchased vehicle, which contained musical equipment and personal work tools, was damaged during the chase and is now being held as evidence.

He said the experience has shaken his livelihood and left him second-guessing the encounter, but added that he does not want to abandon his instinct to help others despite what happened.