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Humboldt Deputies Shoot and Kill Man

BLUE LAKE, Calif. (AP) -- Humboldt County sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man after they say he came toward them with a garden rake handle.

Authorities say a hitchhiker called 911 on Saturday morning to report that he was being assaulted by a man with a metal garden rake.

Two deputies responded to the report and saw the assault continuing on Highway 299 just west of town of Blue Lake. By that point, the claws of the rake had broken off, and the two men were struggling over the handle.

Lt. Steve Knight says the suspect then turned his attention toward the deputies and raised the rake handle as if to strike them, prompting one of them to open fire. Knight says the suspect continued advancing even after being shot, so the deputy fired again.

The suspect died at the scene. His name has not been released.

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