BURBANK (CNS) - Authorities today identified a man who was fatally shot by a Burbank police officer in a hotel parking lot when he allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at the officer.
The shooting occurred after officers were sent to the Quality Inn in the 2200 block of North Buena Vista Street about 4:45 a.m. Monday on a report that an unsupervised child “appeared to be wandering in the ... parking lot,'' said Burbank police Sgt. Emil Brimway.
David Kahler, 30, of Las Vegas died at a hospital, Brimway said.
“The investigation has revealed that the young child, an 8-year-old boy, was the stepson of Mr. Kahler,'' Brimway said.
“The child was with Mr. Kahler with the permission of the mother,'' Brimway said. “The investigation has also revealed that neither Mr. Kahler nor the child had any connection to the Quality Inn or the city of Burbank.''
Brimway said the boy has been reunited with his mother, with the assistance of the Department of Children and Family Services, and both have returned to Nevada.
“Based on video footage, as well as officer and witness statements, the investigation has revealed that Mr. Kahler pointed a loaded semi-automatic handgun at the officer, which precipitated the officer-involved shooting,'' Brimway said.
“At this time, evidence shows that Mr. Kahler did not discharge the firearm which was in his possession,'' Brimway said. “Only one officer discharged his firearm.''
Brimway said the firearm had been reported stolen in Las Vegas.
“At the time of his death, Mr. Kahler was on probation in the state of Nevada and had an extensive criminal history,'' Brimway said. “The crimes included burglary while in possession of a firearm, domestic violence, narcotics violations and theft.''
Burbank detectives were working to determine why Kahler was in the Southland, and the investigation was continuing.
As is standard procedure, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is conducting a separate investigation, and the Burbank Police Department is cooperating with that investigation, Brimway said.
Anyone with information about the case was urged to call the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3210.
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