(PCM) In a very tragic turn of events, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that it’s officers accidentally shot and killed 30-year old Tosh.0 production assistant John Winkler. The authorities believed that Winkler was a stabbing suspect after he exited a neighbors apartment.
Winkler’s reason for being at the neighbors apartment was that there was a man holding two of his friends hostage in the residence and Winkler had gone in to to try to be of assistance to the victims after he heard them screaming.
When authorities arrived at the scene, the apartment door suddenly opened up and a male victim, who was bleeding profusely ran out, Winkler ran out with the victim and was lunging at the back of the fleeing victim. The two were running straight towards the officers on the scene, who then fired shots at Winkler by mistake. Winkler was shot once and died on the scene.
Winkler had only lived in California for a short time before this very tragic incident occurred having relocated from Washington State to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He was only just recently hired as a temporary production assistant for the hit Comedy Central television show Tosh.0.
Police seemed a bit hesitant to admit this was a case of mistaken identity, but the facts are pretty crystal clear. The sheriff claims it will take some time to sort out all of the information and just how the situation unfolded.
It was a terribly tragedy and residents of the apartment complex are completely stunned. Our sincere condolences go out to the victims family and friends during this difficult time.