Unarmed Latino said to be having mental health crisis shot to death by police in California

Brandon Lopez was fatally shot after an hours-long standoff with police.

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- The California Department of Justice is investigating the fatal shooting of an unarmed Latino who police said they considered a suspect and whose family said was experiencing a mental health crisis during an hours-long standoff in Santa Ana, California.

"We're investigating the case in line with the requirements of AB 1506," the Department of Justice said in an email to ABC News. "Generally speaking, AB 1506 requires our office to investigate all incidents of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state."

The Anaheim Police Department said that on Sept. 28 Brandon Lopez, 34, was seen driving a stolen vehicle around 5 p.m. local time. When police attempted a traffic stop, Lopez fled toward Santa Ana. The vehicle became stuck in gravel on a street that was under construction, and officers with the Santa Ana Police Department soon arrived and spent several hours trying to convince Lopez to exit the vehicle. According to Anaheim PD, once the Anaheim SWAT team showed up, they relieved the SAPD from handling the incident.

An APD spokesperson said Lopez had warrants for past armed robberies but declined to provide additional details. Authorities also didn't provide additional details on the stolen vehicle.