Man with knife fatally shot by Lake County deputies

A Lucerne man wielding a knife was shot and killed early Sunday after he charged two deputies responding to a call of a domestic disturbance, according to Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson.

Christopher O’Neal, 56, was shot multiple times and died at the scene, Anderson said.

The deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is normal protocol in such cases, he said. They have not yet been identified.

Anderson said he expects it to take several months before the investigation, including ballistic and toxicology analysis, is completed.

The incident occurred just after midnight, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Anderson said he’s not aware of prior domestic violence incidents at the home on 16th Avenue where the shooting took place.

He said he does not believe the person living in the home was injured.

The last time someone was fatally shot in a confrontation with officers in Lake County was in October 2012, Anderson said.

Ronald Ossenberg , 52, a Southern California man with a lengthy criminal history, was shot and killed after attacking a CHP officer during a traffic stop on Highway 29. He was being sought at the time for allegedly stealing a vehicle.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MendoReporter.