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New details on deadly officer-involved shooting

There's new information Friday about an armed fugitive shot and killed by police in Escondido.
New details on deadly officer-involved shooting

ESCONDIDO (CNS) - Authorities released the name Friday of a 37-year-old felon who was fatally shot by police when he allegedly pointed a homemade shotgun at them from inside his weapons-packed SUV in front of a North County gated community.

William Daniel Mayes of Mira Mesa was wanted for allegedly abusing his father when San Diego police tried to arrest him just west of Interstate 15 in Escondido about 8 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said during a media briefing Friday morning.

Detectives were investigating the elder assault call when they got a report that the suspect had been making bombs at his Capricorn Way home, SDPD Capt. Terry McManus said. For safety reasons, police decided against arresting him there, and instead lured him under false pretenses to a park-and-ride facility near Kit Carson Park in Escondido, the captain said.

Arriving at the transit lot about 8 p.m., Mayes apparently realized he was being followed by plainclothes police. He sped off, then lost control of his Ford Explorer a short distance away, sending it crashing into a wall at Avenida Magoria and Del Lago Boulevard.

Moments later, he allegedly began raising a long-barreled gun he had strapped around his neck, prompting five officers to open fire. He died at the scene.

The San Diego Metro Arson Strike Team searched the suspect's body and SUV, finding four homemade guns, seven pipe bombs and other small makeshift explosive devices, some of which he was carrying in his clothing, authorities said.

It was unclear why Mayes, who had an arson conviction on his criminal record, created the arsenal and was driving around with it, McManus told reporters.

"We're not in possession of any information that would indicate that he had a specific plan -- either in his head, on paper or elsewhere -- targeting an individual or group," the captain said.

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