Redwood City Standoff Ends in Gunfire; Man Dies After Shooting

UPDATE: A tense standoff in Redwood City turned deadly Tuesday afternoon when police shot and critically injured a man who had reportedly fired a weapon. The incident, which unfolded just after 2:30 p.m., led to the man’s death at a local hospital.

Authorities confirm that the individual, identified as 48-year-old Jose Reynaldo Lombera, discharged a firearm in the 200 block of Hazel Avenue before fleeing the scene. Police quickly established a perimeter and deployed an unmanned aerial system to locate him.

As officers approached Lombera, he allegedly pointed a firearm at them. In response, they fired both less-lethal and lethal munitions, striking him before providing immediate medical aid. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials have placed the officers involved on administrative leave pending an investigation. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is leading the inquiry into this officer-involved shooting, collaborating with the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office and the Redwood City Police Department.

“This was a chaotic scene that escalated quickly,” a local witness reported. “You could hear the sirens and then multiple shots.”

Neighbors described the once-quiet afternoon as being shattered by the sound of gunfire and police sirens, as they watched the situation unfold near Hemlock Avenue and Madrone Street. Streets were closed off while investigators gathered evidence.

The police department has urged anyone with information to contact them at (650) 780-7110 or the DA’s office at (650) 363-4636. More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.

Historically, officer-involved shootings in Redwood City are subject to independent reviews by the county DA, which assesses evidence to determine if charges are warranted. In a 2022 case, prosecutors ultimately chose not to file charges against officers involved in a fatal shooting.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing tension between law enforcement and community safety. As details continue to develop, residents are left grappling with the impact of this incident on their neighborhood.