Police shoot, kill man in Lake Havasu City

KINGMAN, Ariz. -- Investigators suspect alcohol played a significant role in the shooting death of a 39-year-old man by police early Wednesday in Lake Havasu City.

Police from nearby Kingman are conducting an independent investigation of the shooting, customary in Arizona for police shootings.

Kingman police Sgt. Bob Fisk said five adults and six children had been attending a birthday party at a residence in the 3700 block of Los Dutchman Drive.

A woman called police at 2:48 a.m. indicating that her boyfriend was threatening to kill himself and the children.

Fisk said it appeared that the "suicidal" subject drank a half bottle or more of tequila before getting upset.

Lake Havasu police Sgt. Joe Harrold said arriving officers heard screams inside the house right before Danny Haskell went outside with a handgun.

Police said officer Gregory Melodia, a 12-year veteran of the Havasu City department, fired at Haskell, and Haskell fired at the officer.

Fisk said it appeared that Haskell was shot once in the head and once in the side. Fisk said that it will take additional investigation and an autopsy to determine more details.

Fisk said Haskell possessed a .38-caliber handgun and was declared dead at the scene.

Police had not responded to previous incidents involving Haskell at that address, Harrold said.

Melodia, following procedure in Arizona, was placed on paid leave while the shooting is investigated.