Police Shoot, Kill Driver of Propane Truck

(CBS/AP)  Police have shot and killed a man in Southern California who was erratically driving a truck loaded with propane gas after an intermittent chase covering several miles.

Police Cmdr. Tom Chronister says the chase on Oxnard city streets began Wednesday afternoon after the driver's boss reported that his employee was driving under the influence and acting irrationally.

Other drivers also called police to report that the man was driving recklessly.

Pilot Gary Lineberry for CBS Station KCBS in Los Angeles reports that during the 10-minute pursuit, the propane truck driver rammed several vehicles, including police cars and a motorcycle.

Police initially suspended their pursuit of the truck because of its explosive cargo, but later spotted it again and managed to pull the vehicle over.

The driver was cornered in a McDonalds parking and allegedly rammed the police cars several more times. At that point, police opened fire, killing the driver.

Chronister did not now what prompted the officers to fire their weapons.

Watch local video from CBS Station KCBS in Los Angeles

Local Video from CBS 2 / KCAL 9 in Los Angeles

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[newsterl]

I wonder if he ordered a Happy Meal (tm) at the drive-up window before he got offed

[winslowe1]

Chronister did not know what prompted the officers to fire their weapons?? He either knew nothing of the driver's actions, or is a complete idiot.

[billpl-2009]

nice shot

[Mokkie57]

Please dont shoot at the explosives device.

[lmartink]

While I am no fan of cops, and we have seen at least a thousand incidents in recent years of pathetically stupid, arrogant, and asinine behavior by police -- this one was a justifiable shooting. That propane truck was a huge explosive device. I think deadly force was required.

[lmartink]

While I am no fan of cops, and we have seen at least a thousand incidents in recent years of pathetically stupid, arrogant, and asinine behavior by police -- this one was a justifiable shooting. That propane truck was a huge explosive device. I think deadly force was required.