San Diego, CA – 59-year-old Eric Kulakow was fatally shot by San Diego police in a Scripps Ranch neighborhood in San Diego. This incident took place on March 25, 2025, at Angelique Street and Little Silver Court.
Incident Overview
The incident began when construction workers reported an individual brandishing a firearm in the 11600 block of Angelique St. roughly around noon. Police responding to the call encountered Kulakow. According to reports, Kulakow was observed barefoot, wearing ear protection, and wielding a weapon. Two officers opened fire, striking Kulakow, who died on the scene.
Neighbors had expressed concerns about his behavior in the weeks leading up to the incident, indicating possible mental health issues. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation.
Mental Health and Officer-Involved Shootings
The intersection of mental health crises and law enforcement responses has been a growing concern nationwide. Studies indicate that individuals with serious mental illnesses are disproportionately affected in police encounters. For instance, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has found that approximately 32% of fatal police shootings involve individuals showing signs of mental health crises at the time of their death.
Furthermore, individuals with untreated mental illnesses are significantly more likely to be fatally shot during police encounters compared to those without such conditions.
Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Eric Kulakow.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with protecting public safety while also ensuring the well-being of individuals experiencing mental health crises. The use of lethal force in such situations is highly concerning. Families of individuals with mental illnesses who are killed in police encounters may have legal avenues to pursue claims of excessive force or civil rights violations.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
