Nathan Arthur Dew Death News – Authorities have identified the man who was fatally shot by a police officer earlier this month following a vehicle pursuit and confrontation in Dixon. Officials say the incident is now under independent review as part of standard procedures for fatal encounters involving law enforcement.
According to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the man who died was a 61-year-old resident identified as Nathan Arthur Dew. Investigators say the encounter began in the early evening when a Dixon police officer observed a vehicle stopped in an unusual manner on a roadway. The car reportedly had its lights turned off, and the driver appeared to be staring forward and was unresponsive when the officer attempted to make contact.
Law enforcement officials said the officer tried to initiate a traffic stop after becoming concerned about the driver’s condition. Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly drove onto a nearby highway, prompting a pursuit. Authorities described the chase as continuing for a short distance before the vehicle eventually came to a stop in a commercial area.
After pulling over, investigators say Dew remained seated inside his vehicle while holding what appeared to be a black handgun. According to the district attorney’s office, he then exited the vehicle with the object in his hand and raised it in the direction of responding officers. At that point, a Dixon police officer discharged their firearm, citing an immediate threat to safety.
Emergency medical aid was provided at the scene, and Dew was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders and medical personnel, he later died from his injuries. Authorities later determined that the object Dew was holding was a BB gun, not a firearm.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The district attorney’s office stated that the Solano County Major Crimes Task Force was activated to conduct an independent investigation under its supervision. Such investigations are required whenever a fatal law enforcement encounter occurs, with the goal of ensuring transparency and accountability. The task force includes investigators from multiple agencies who were not directly involved in the incident.
Officials said the investigation will involve reviewing body-worn camera footage, vehicle video, radio communications, forensic evidence, and witness statements. Investigators will also examine the actions of everyone involved to determine whether the use of force complied with state law and department policies.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the officer’s actions. Once the inquiry is complete, the findings will be submitted to the district attorney’s office for review. That process is expected to take several weeks.
Law enforcement officials encouraged anyone who may have relevant information about the incident to contact investigators directly. They noted that even minor details could assist in building a complete and accurate account of what occurred.
The case has drawn attention from the community, where residents have expressed concern and a desire for clarity surrounding the circumstances of the shooting. Officials reiterated that independent reviews are designed to provide the public with confidence that incidents of this nature are examined thoroughly and fairly.
Further updates are expected once the investigation concludes and the findings are reviewed. Until then, authorities asked for patience as the process moves forward.
