A Porterville police officer shot an armed man Thursday night after the suspect allegedly fled from officers, attempted to enter a bar with a knife and resisted arrest inside, authorities said.

Officers responded at about 10:35 p.m. Thursday to the Glenwood Apartments in the 140 block of North Main Street after receiving a report of a masked man armed with a knife and a firearm who was acting violently inside the apartment complex office, according to the Porterville Police Department.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Lucas Drak of Porterville.

The first responding officer arrived about a minute later and was contacted by a distraught woman standing in the street. She told the officer that a masked man armed with a knife was inside the building and had prevented her from entering an apartment, police said.

The officer then saw Drak fleeing north on Main Street while holding a large knife. Police said the officer repeatedly ordered him to stop and drop the weapon, but Drak refused.

According to police, Drak then attempted to enter the Mecca Bar while still holding the knife. The officer fired one shot, striking Drak in a lower extremity.

Police said Drak continued into the bar despite being wounded, resisted officers’ attempts to detain him and endangered patrons inside. Officers deployed Tasers several times, but they were unsuccessful. After a struggle, officers took Drak into custody.

Drak was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has assumed responsibility for the officer-involved shooting investigation. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy while the investigation continues.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400.

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