A MAN WIELDING a metal pipe was shot by Westminster police on Saturday (Shutterstock).

A man armed with a metal pipe who allegedly tried to attack Westminster police officers early Saturday morning was shot and has been hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

According to Sgt. Eddie Esqueda, the incident took place around 12:57 a.m. in the 9100 block of Bolsa Avenue (east of Magnolia Street). Police received a report of a possible vandalism incident.

Officers found the suspect, who was holding the pipe. According to Sgt. Esqueda, officers attempted de-escalation tactics, but the man refused to drop the pipe. A Taser was used but without success.

When the man tried to hit officers with the pipe – according to Sgt. Esqueda – he was shot. Medical aid was rendered and the man was transported to a hospital. The pipe was recovered at the scene.

The man, believed to be homeless, was identified only as being 29 years old. He faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.

The incident is under investigation by the WPD and the Orange County District Attorney’s office. Anyone with additional information, surveillance video or who may have seen the incident is asked to contact the WPD at (714) 548-4570.