The officer was driving with his wife in the 3700 block of Valencia Avenue when they came across a suspicious male. The subject appeared to be attempting to enter parked vehicles by trying the door handles.
When the officer approached the man, the suspect became agitated and aggressive and began threatening the officer and his wife.
Fearing for his life, the officer produced his off-duty handgun and the suspect immediately fled on foot.
Patrol officers responded the area to assist the officer and eventually detained the suspect near the 3700 block of Alamo Street without incident.
Ethan Gottlieb, 23, was taken into custody for criminal threats. During the later investigation, officers learned the suspect was on probation for a prior burglary conviction.
No property crimes were reported in the area where Gottlieb was observed Saturday.
