Police: Suspect grabbed and fired officer's rifle before being killed

NAPA, Calif. (BCN) - The Napa Police Department released edited body-camera video from an officer who fatally shot a suspect after an altercation last week.

Officer Christopher Simas, who has been with Napa police for two years, shot David Alejandro Molina, 27, of Napa, with his duty rifle after a foot pursuit and fight that lasted several minutes and ended in the Vineyard Terrace apartment complex. Molina was pronounced dead at 2:05 a.m. Wednesday.

Police Chief Robert Plummer said the shooting happened moments after the suspect had grabbed the officer's rifle and fired up to nine rounds. 

Napa police said Molina was suspected of being involved in an assault with a handgun at the Kentwood Apartments on Soscol Avenue. Police responded to the assault report at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday.

Molina left the apartment complex before police arrived but he was found riding a skateboard on Soscol Avenue. Police said Molina was asked to raise his hands and get on the ground but he ran into the Vineyard Terrace apartment complex.

Police said the 16-minute body camera video shows Simas en route to the assault call, his attempts to get Molina to comply and the efforts to save him.

WATCH: Full Napa police presentation, including body cam video.