Alberto Arenas Obituary – The family has come forward following the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man by a police officer at his residence in Downey. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening near Stewart and Gray Road after law enforcement responded to a disturbance involving a male individual. According to witnesses, the man was setting off fireworks in the backyard when he engaged in a dispute with a neighbor. Despite the officers’ efforts to defuse the situation, the man, identified as Alberto Arenas, allegedly aimed what seemed to be a rifle at them.
Alberto Sr., the father of Arenas, mentioned that officers fired shots through the backyard fence. He stated that he was not present at home during the incident, but his son was under the influence of alcohol and struggled with psychosis and schizophrenia.
Describing his son as a good person and father, Alberto Sr. expressed his concerns about the handling of the situation by law enforcement. He emphasized that he had repeatedly called the police, instructing them not to enter the property until his arrival.
Tragically, Arenas Jr. lost his life at the scene. The police department later revealed that the rifle held by Arenas was an airsoft-style weapon. Subsequently, the Department of Justice assumed control of the investigation.
Arenas Sr. clarified that there were no firearms in their residence, and he was unaware of the airsoft-style rifle. He also highlighted his son’s criminal record and mental health challenges, suggesting that a different approach by the police could have prevented the fatal outcome.
Expressing regret over not reaching the scene in time, Arenas Sr. believed that his timely intervention could have averted the tragedy. He mentioned that his son leaves behind two young children, a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old baby.
Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the incident. To support the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been set up.
