WALNUT CREEK, CA — A man died early Thursday after Walnut Creek police shot him during a call about a suspicious person reportedly looking into homes and parked vehicles with a flashlight, authorities said.
Police say officers were called to the area of Buena Vista Avenue and Alvarado Avenue at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, after a report of a man wearing dark clothing and using a flashlight while looking into homes and vehicles.
When officers arrived, they located a person matching the description who was holding what police believed was a firearm, according to Walnut Creek police statements cited by multiple outlets. Police say officers gave repeated commands for the person to drop the weapon, but he did not comply, and an officer-involved shooting occurred.
Authorities later determined the weapon was a pellet gun that closely resembled a handgun, according to police. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have described the man only as a 46-year-old Walnut Creek resident and said they are not releasing his name while the investigation is ongoing.
“No officers were injured during this event. This was determined to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the police said in a statement.
NBC Bay Area and ABC7 reported that family members identified the man as Tony Pererya, and his mother told reporters he had struggled with severe mental illness.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation under the county’s Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, and the involved officers were placed on administrative leave per department policy, police said. Body-worn camera footage is expected to be released later.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865, police said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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