Man Killed by Police at Pride Event

An investigation began Monday into the police shooting of a man they rescued when he went overboard during a gay pride related cruise in San Diego Harbor.

Harbor Police were notified by the operators of the charter boat that a man had gone overboard late Saturday night. The man, identified as 37-year-old Steven Paul Hirschfield of West Hollywood, was rescued but reportedly began fighting with officers.

Harbor Police Lt. Ken Franke told NBC San Diego that Hirshfield grabbed a Taser from one officer and struck him in the face. He then attempted to take the officer’s handgun Franke said.

As the two struggled a second officer shot Hirshfield. He was pronounced dead by paramedics when the police boat docked.

Harbor Police Lt. Ken Franke said that Hirshfield was shot once in the torso.
An autopsy was begun Monday but it could take several days for toxicology results to come in.
Passengers on the boat were questioned by police for several hours.