Man Critically Wounded by California Police

On a quiet Sunday night in Oceanside, California, a small coastal town north of San Diego, Gregory Kwok was arguing loudly with his father Aubrey Kwok — so loudly that neighbors called the police for his disorderly conduct. The neighbors later reported that as the police were en route, Gregory Kwok came outside the house in which he and his father lived, clad only in his underwear and carrying a handgun, which he fired into the ground several times.

Cooperating But Shot?

Three Oceanside police officers arrived at the residence on Lonnie Street in the east side of the town. Some of the neighbors said later that they saw the encounter between the police and Kwok, and that Kwok, 48, had calmed down before the officers came onto the scene. The witnesses noted that Kwok was cooperating with the police at the point when things went seriously awry.

Dog Killed

Gregory Kwok came away from the encounter with a critical gunshot wound from the police. He was airlifted to a nearby facility, Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Hospital officials declined to comment on Kwok's condition. Kwok's dog Patches, a pit bull, was shot by the police and died.

Taser Use, Shooting

Oceanside Police Sergeant Kelan Poorman reported later that the department is trying to determine exactly what happened between Kwok and the officers at the scene. He stated that Kwok did not threaten the officers with a weapon. Apparently the dog advanced toward the officers when they arrived, at which point at least one officer shot the dog. Poorman also said that an officer used a Taser to subdue Kwok, and when a struggle ensued, at least one officer shot him.

Neighbor Alejandro Carreno was saddened by Kwok's shooting and the death of Patches, which he said was a gentle dog with whom his eight-year-old son played fetch. Carreno noted that Kwok was very helpful to many of his neighbors.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney about Arrest Problems
If you're concerned about the circumstances of an arrest — yours or that of a loved one — contact us to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will evaluate your situation and ensure your legal rights are protected.