Man Shot And Killed At Foster Farms Plant Identified

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Porterville Police have released the name of the suspect shot and killed by officers on Thursday at the Foster Farms plant.

Police say 31-year-old Eusebio Prieto was driving recklessly at nearly 80 mph near North Main and Henderson Ave., when his vehicle struck the vehicle of a Porterville Police Detective.

The detective followed Prieto to Henderson Ave., just west of Plano St., where Prieto exited his car, armed with a screwdriver, and headed towards him The detective asked Prieto to drop the weapon, but Prieto ignored his commands and ran towards the Foster Farms plant.

Assisting officers arrived on the scene and cornered Prieto on the grounds of the plant. Officers asked Prieto to drop his weapon, but again Prieto ignored the commands and advanced towards one of the officers. That officer fired a single round at Prieto, striking him in the torso.

Despite the wound, Prieto was able to get away from officers moving to the employee break room area of the plant.

Officers continued to ask Prieto to put down the screwdriver, but he refused. Prieto then moved to open a door leading into the break room, where numerous employees where gathered.

Fearing for the employees safety, two of the officers fired several rounds at Prieto striking him and eliminating the threat.

Prieto was then transported to Sierra View District Hospital where he was pronounced dead.Witnesses tell KMPH Prieto was a former worker at the facility.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated by the Tulare County District Attorney's office.

Stay with KMPH and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.