Merced police fire multiple shots and kill 73-year-old man carrying a knife, cops say

A man was shot and killed by police officers Thursday in Merced after he allegedly advanced toward officers while holding a knife, according to authorities.

At about 12:55 a.m, officers responded to a call from a motorist reporting a person jumped in front of their vehicle on M Street near Collins Drive, according to Merced Police Lt. Joseph Perez. The driver avoided striking the person.

Arriving officers made contact with a man who police said pulled out a knife.

According to police, after ignoring several commands from the officers to drop the knife, the man allegedly advanced toward the officers who discharged their firearms and struck the man multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified the man as 73-year-old Gilbert Gariby, according to Deputy Michael Domingue.

Authorities said a knife was recovered from the scene but they did not release a description of the weapon.

According to Perez, authorities at this time are not releasing the names of the officers involved in shooting.

“Per standard protocol, they’re both on administrative leave pending the completion of this investigation,” said Perez.

According to Perez, Merced Police Department detectives as well as Merced County District Attorney’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting.

The police department will also conduct an internal investigation, according to Perez.