While they were questioning the man, another man approached them on the street appearing agitated.
Police said the second man ignored commands to leave the area, and they thought the man might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As the man's behavior became more agitated, officers tried to search the subject. A struggle started as they tried to pat down the suspect.
"During the struggle officers were trying to take custody of that suspect when the individual reached for and grabbed one of the officers' weapons. An assisting officer fired multiple rounds, injuring the suspect," said Corporal Jose Gonzalez of the Santa Ana Police Department.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.
Some officers were also injured in the scuffle but did not require medical attention.
Some witnesses claim that the suspect was handcuffed at the time of the shooting, but police were unable to confirm.
Both the Santa Ana Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney's Office is investigating.
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