Atwater police identified man shot by officer

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities have now identified the man killed by an Atwater police officer. David Sarabia would have turned 28 Tuesday. Jail records show he had previous arrests for domestic violence, assault, and probation violations.

Investigators said the incident started after a report of the suspect holding his girlfriend against her will in his car. That sparked a long pursuit through Atwater and the county Monday. The girlfriend said during the chase, Sarabia slashed himself with a knife and threatened to stab police. He finally stopped after getting a flat tire.

Police say they first tased the man and then shot him after he lunged toward them with the knife.