Police unsuccessfully use Taser on tree branch-wielding attacker

Authorities say a San Fernando police officer shot and killed a man wielding a tree branch after a Taser failed to subdue him.

Officers from the San Fernando Police Department went to the 900 block of Truman Street early Thursday morning “regarding a possible battery assault call for service,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is assisting in the investigation.

When the officers arrived about 5:40 a.m., authorities said the suspect attacked at least one of them with a large tree branch.

“The suspect tried to hit the officer with the tree branch but instead hit the officer’s patrol vehicle,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.

“The officer deployed less lethal force device (Taser), however, the Taser had no effect due to the layers of clothing the suspect was wearing,” the statement continued.

The man again approached the police officer, who shot him. Authorities said the suspect was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

He was not yet identified by authorities.

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ari.bloomekatz@latimes.com