REDDING — The Redding Police Department Tuesday identified the officer who shot a homeless man Dec. 18 under the Cypress Avenue Bridge.

Officer Kenneth Marks, who has been with the force for seven years, was cleared to return to full duty, according to a statement from the Police Department.

Marks, authorities said on Monday, was trying to find a place to urinate when he was confronted by Joseph Galbraith.

Shasta County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Jackson said Marks encountered Galbraith at about 6:25 p.m.

Jackson said the officer was working a DUI checkpoint near East Cypress and Parkview avenues.

Prior to the checkpoint, Jackson said, the officer went under the bridge to try to find a place outside of public view to urinate.

Galbraith told investigators he advanced toward the officer while holding a 6-inch-long pair of metal tweezers and threatened that he had a knife.

Galbraith said he got to within about 3 to 5 feet of the officer when he was shot once in the upper torso.

Galbraith was taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a large folding knife, a box cutter and suspected methamphetamine, sheriff’s officials said.

Galbraith admitted to smoking methamphetamine and marijuana earlier in the day, Jackson said.

He was transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment of his non-life-threatening injury.

Due to Galbraith being admitted to the hospital, he was released from custody pending a criminal complaint being filed with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Jackson said.

Charges have not yet been filed against Galbraith.

The major crimes unit of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to follow up on the shooting and asks those who might have information about it to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials have said Marks was automatically placed on paid administrative leave as the Sheriff’s Office handles the investigation.

Redding Police Chief Robert Paoletti on Monday said Marks was on vacation this week and his department would be releasing his name after the officer was notified.

Marks was not hurt during the incident.

Galbraith has a long history with law enforcement, including assault with a deadly weapon and public intoxication.