James Combs dies in fatal Prunedale shooting
Fatal Prunedale shooting death of James Combs – Obituary
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified James Combs, a 42-year-old man from Salinas, as the individual shot and killed by a California Highway Patrol officer on Saturday evening.
According to CHP reports, officers arrived at the scene of a crash on northbound Highway 101 near Ralph Lane around 6:55 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered Combs, who had been involved in the accident.
For reasons that remain unclear, a CHP officer discharged their firearm, fatally shooting Combs. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and CHP have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Officials stated that Combs had a pocket knife with a four-inch blade at the time of the incident. According to the district attorney’s office, he brandished the weapon before being shot.
Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Combs succumbed to his injuries at the scene. No CHP officers were harmed during the confrontation.
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is overseeing the investigation, following standard procedures for officer-involved shootings. No additional details have been released at this time.
