Suspect in critical condition after officer-involved shooting erupts at Santa Ana Civic Center

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Suspect in critical condition after officer-involved shooting erupts at Santa Ana Civic Center
A man was in critical condition after an officer-involved shooting at the Santa Ana Civic Center.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect was in critical condition after an officer-involved shooting that erupted at Santa Ana Civic Center Monday morning.

The gunfire happened near Plaza of the Flags in the 600 block of N. Ross Street, between the courthouse and City Hall, at about 9:30 a.m., according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Police said employees from the civic center made contact with the 32-year-old man, identified as Richard Swihart, before a fight happened. During an altercation with police, authorities said Swihart grabbed one of the officer's weapons and a struggle ensued.

Another officer at the scene shot Swihart, according to officials.

Santa Ana police said the suspect was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery. He was last listed in critical condition.

No officers were injured in the shooting.

Authorities said the Orange County District Attorney's Office was expected to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

According to police, the area was known to have a large number of homeless people, but it was not clear if Swihart was homeless.