Authorities Saturday asked for the public’s help in piecing together the fatal shooting of a man by California Highway Patrol officers in Ventura last weekend.
Theodore Keiper, 58, of Casitas Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.
According to investigators, the shooting was prompted by the man allegedly making threats and provocative movements toward California Highway Patrol officers.
Keiper allegedly led a CHP officer on a high-speed chase at speeds greater than 100 miles per hour near Faria Beach, Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Cary Peterson wrote in a news release.
The suspect reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and landed in a ravine on Padre Juan Canyon Road, north of Highway 101, the sergeant said.
CHP officers opened fire shortly after that, officials said.
It was never made clear why the chase was started.
Toxicology and blood alcohol tests are pending, while sheriff’s homicide investigators continue their interview portion of the case, the sergeant said.
"Once detectives complete their investigation, the case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review," Peterson wrote.
Anyone with information on the chase or shooting was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau at 805-383-8790.
