Man Claims Son Shot By Deputies Was Carrying Toy Gun

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - His father says a man shot to death by Riverside County sheriff's deputies was carrying a toy gun.

Thirty-six-year-old Robert Lourenco died Sunday afternoon in unincorporated Winchester.

Authorities say they received calls about a man walking around with a handgun and a hatchet.

The Sheriff's Department says authorities negotiated for about two hours but Lourenco refused to surrender and was shot when he pointed the gun at deputies. Five sheriff's deputies and a CHP officer opened fire.

His father, Robert Lourenco Sr., tells the Riverside Press-Enterprise (http://bit.ly/2aeVS98 ) Monday that his son liked to carry a toy gun and a small ax. He also says his son had been depressed because his truck had been impounded.

A sheriff's spokesman says he can't confirm whether the gun was a toy.