The Gambian-American community in California is reeling from the death of Abdou Rahman Nyan, a 34-year-old U.S. veteran and IT specialist from Connecticut, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting at a Ralph’s grocery store in Goleta on October 20. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released detailed findings today, painting a picture of a rapid escalation that ended with deputies firing six rounds to halt an advancing suspect armed with knives.
The incident unfolded at 2:39 p.m. in the 5100 block of Hollister Avenue. Initial 911 calls reported a man actively assaulting another with a weapon. Detectives later determined the confrontation began outside when Nyan allegedly abused the victim’s dog, prompting a physical altercation. Nyan stabbed the adult male victim twice before fleeing into the crowded store, where shoppers and employees were present.
Deputies Sergeant Eric Delgadillo, Deputy Anthony Muneton, and others entered to locate the suspect. Nyan had barricaded himself in a public restroom at the rear. For several minutes, officers negotiated for a peaceful surrender, believing he still possessed the knife. To contain him, they positioned display racks against the door.
The standoff shattered when Nyan burst out, shoving aside the barricade. Clutching a metal trash can as a shield in one hand and a knife in each, he charged toward deputies in a narrow alcove less than 10 feet away. Verbal commands were issued. A third deputy deployed a Taser, but it failed to stop him. Delgadillo and Muneton then fired six shots, neutralizing the threat.
Deputies immediately secured the knives and initiated CPR. Fire and medical teams arrived soon after, but pronounced Nyan dead at the scene. The stabbing victim was hospitalized, treated, and released; his dog was unharmed. No officers suffered physical injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of de-escalation efforts and standard protocols. Involved deputies are on administrative leave pending a full investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.
Nyan’s family, notified days later, expressed devastation, noting he was shot six times. They demand a transparent probe. Eyewitnesses cited by local media claim Nyan was defending himself and others against an armed individual during the initial confrontation, contradicting the official narrative of unprovoked abuse toward the dog.
Community leaders in California’s Gambian diaspora eulogize Nyan as a calm, dedicated professional and service-minded veteran. Tributes highlight his IT expertise and commitment to others, amplifying calls for accountability.
The case underscores ongoing debates over use-of-force in mental health crises or heated disputes—though no such factors were mentioned officially. Body camera footage has not been released; however, the investigation is ongoing.
As mourning vigils form, advocates urge independent oversight to reconcile conflicting accounts and ensure justice. The Sheriff’s Office pledges thoroughness, vowing public updates as reviews progress.
