Man in fatal shooting by Tahoe officers identified

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Department has identified Brandon Richard Lowder, 30, as the man whom South Lake Tahoe police fatally shot Sunday after he reportedly pointed a gun at them.

Officers responded to Lowder's Alameda Avenue home on a domestic violence call at 2:53 p.m. He reportedly raised the gun at officers, which an investigation later determined to be a replica .45-caliber BB gun.

An autopsy will be conducted today at the Washoe County Coroner's Office in Reno, which is often used in shooting cases, said an El Dorado County detective involved in the case.

The officers involved, Sgt. Terry Daniels and Officer Brodie Seagrave, are on paid administrative leave.

"This is a routine policy and not a punitive action," said Tahoe Police Sgt. Les Scott. "We are still in the core part of the investigation."

Also, because of the fatality, there is a policy protocol with outside agencies to help with and monitor the investigation, said Detective Pete Van Arnum of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department. The El Dorado County district attorney's office is also involved in the investigation.

Detectives investigating the matter are interviewing people who may have information.

Police dispatch received an anonymous complaint of domestic violence at home of Lowder and his girlfriend, Karen Cotz, 34.

According to the reporting party, Lowder and Cotz were heard fighting, and items were breaking in the home.

Prior to being let in by Cotz, officers observed Lowder walking from the front portion of the home to the rear. He reappeared shortly with a gun in his hand, Scott said.

The officers drew their weapons and ordered Lowder to drop his gun. Instead, he raised the gun and pointed it at the officers, Scott said. At that point, shots were fired by the officers. The number of shots fired is still under investigation, Scott said. Neighbors said they heard between one to six shots.

Lowder was an electrician and tile layer.

"In these kinds of domestic violence situations, officers respond based on their training and experience, Scott said. "These types of incidents are tragic in every sense of the word. Obviously, our hearts go out to the family (of Lowder) and the young lady, Ms. Cotz.

"We definitely sympathize with all the parties involved, including the officers, whom we consider victims of this as well," Scott said.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is asking anyone with additional details to call (530) 542-6100.