Deputy shoots, kills man allegedly armed with an axe in Thermal

Lincoln Street and 66th Avenue in Mecca (Google Maps)

A man was shot and killed by early Sunday morning in Mecca.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to assist CHP and Cal Fire who were dealing with a person with an axe in the area of Lincoln Street and 66th Avenue about 3:30 am, according to a news release.

A deputy-involved shooting occurred and the suspect was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

The name of the victim has not been released.