Police Shoot Mira Mesa Man Wielding Knife

A Mira Mesa man who was threatening suicide Saturday was shot twice in the lower chest when he attacked an officer with a knife and meat cleaver, San Diego police officials said.

The man, who was admitted to Mercy Hospital as a John Doe, was reported to be in very critical condition in the operating room, a nurse said, more than two hours after the 6:15 p.m. shooting.

Details of the incident were sketchy Saturday night, and police refused to identify the officer who fired the shots.

A police spokesman said officers had responded to an earlier call at the house after receiving a report that the man was threatening to kill himself. However, there was no response at the house when officers arrived the first time.

When officers responded to the second call, the man allegedly opened the door and attacked one officer with the knives. The police spokesman said it was not clear who called officers to the house. The incident was still under investigation.