Suspect shot by California cop after pursuit had gold lighter that looked like gun, video shows

"San Diego police Officer Henry Ingram Jr. shot Edwaun Thames, 39, after a 10-minute chase that ended in a crash near Jamacha Road and Gillespie Drive on Jan. 22, investigators said. Thames survived his injuries and was arrested on suspicion of evading, possession of a stolen vehicle and vehicle theft. The firearm found at the scene was later determined to be a gold lighter manufactured to appear as a revolver."

"The county Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation under a reciprocal agreement with San Diego police, so neither department investigates its own officers or deputies. Monday's release includes footage from two body-worn cameras, including the camera worn by Ingram, and is more than seven minutes long."

"An officer spotted the vehicle, and text in the video said the driver, later identified as 39-year-old Edwaun Thames, briefly stopped before speeding away. Officers laid down spike strips in the car's path, popping both front tires, although the car continued east to Jamacha Road. Thames ran through stop signs and multiple red lights before crashing."

San Diego police Officer Henry Ingram Jr. shot Edwaun Thames, 39, on January 22 after a 10-minute chase involving a stolen vehicle that ended in a crash near Jamacha Road and Gillespie Drive in La Presa. Thames survived and faced charges including evading police, possession of a stolen vehicle, and vehicle theft. The firearm recovered at the scene was determined to be a gold lighter manufactured to resemble a revolver. The incident began when police received a stolen vehicle report and tracked the car using an automated license plate reader. Officers deployed spike strips that punctured the vehicle's tires, but the driver continued fleeing through multiple traffic violations before crashing. Body-worn camera footage from multiple officers was released for public review, with the county Sheriff's Office conducting the investigation.

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