Man fatally shot by Bedford deputy identified

BEDFORD, Va. (AP) — Virginia State Police have identified a man who was fatally shot by a Bedford County deputy following a pursuit.

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller says 32-year-old David A. Mendoza forced his way into a residence on July 29 and unsuccessfully tried to steal a vehicle. He fled on a dirt bike.

Deputies spotted Mendoza about 50 minutes later and began a pursuit. He rode through a series of fields and eluded them.

Geller says Mendoza then broke into a boat prop repair shop and stole a pickup truck and clothes. Another pursuit began when a deputy saw the pickup traveling recklessly.

Geller says the pickup reached a dead end, turned and hit the patrol car. Mendoza was shot when he got out of the truck and approached the officer.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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