Vallejo officer fatally shoots suspect after foot pursuit

A Vallejo police officer shot and killed a man who was going to attack him with a flashlight, authorities said Wednesday.

Ronell Foster, 33, allegedly took the officer’s flashlight and raised it to strike him before the officer fired his weapon, said Lt. Kenny Park of the Vallejo Police Department.

The incident began at about 7:40 p.m. Tuesday near Marin and Florida streets, just outside the Vallejo Aquarium store, Park said. A patrol officer on foot reportedly attempted to stop Foster on his bike before the latter took off running. A pursuit ensued, followed by a “violent physical struggle,” Park said.

In a statement, police said that the officer used his Taser on Foster, “but it was ineffective.”

“The subject managed to forcibly take away a metal flashlight from the officer and armed himself with it, presenting it in a threatening manner,” Park said.

At this time, the officer — who has not been named — reportedly fired his weapon. Foster was pronounced dead on the scene.

A radio report of the incident included the officer saying, “I have a guy on a bicycle running from me.” Within a minute, the out-of-breath officer was heard saying, “Shots fired.”

Sirens could be heard in the background as officers responded to the scene. They were directed to a back alley in a residential area on the 400 block of Carolina Street, less than a quarter-mile from the area where the officer reportedly attempted to stop Foster.

The officer was placed on administrative leave, following department protocol.

The shooting is being investigated by the Solano County district attorney’s office and the Vallejo Police Department.

Sarah Ravani and Sophie Haigney are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@ sfchronicle.com, sophie.haigney@ sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani, @SophieHaigney