Lompoc Officer Involved Shooting Ruled Justified

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office released its findings today regarding an officer involved shooting in Lompoc. The DA’s investigation ruled the shooting death of 67-year old Lawrence Kitchen in June was justified. Lompoc police officers opened fire at Kitchen after he shot two people and killed a dog before pointing his shotgun at the officers. The report shows that Kitchen was ordered several times to drop his weapon before police opened fire. Details about Kitchen’s life were also included on the report. Before the incident he was undergoing treatment at Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Santa Maria. He was showing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and began taking prescribed medication. He spent nearly ten years serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. Kitchen’s wife recalls her husband acting aggressive and paranoid on the night before the shooting. He did not sleep or eat for two days prior to the incident. His wife says he spent most of the night turning lights off inside the house and peering out the windows as if to keep guard.