Man with rifle shot by police in South San Francisco

Del Monte Avenue and Romney Avenue in South San Francisco. Del Monte Avenue and Romney Avenue in South San Francisco. Photo: Lloren, Jason W, Google Maps Photo: Lloren, Jason W, Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Man with rifle shot by police in South San Francisco 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A man pointing a rifle at an officer was shot and wounded by South San Francisco police Sunday morning.

According to the incident report, the altercation started at 9:30 a.m. when a resident reported seeing a middle-aged man with a rifle standing near the intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Romney Avenue, not far from the police station.

The first officer on the scene commanded the man to drop the weapon but instead he advanced toward the officer while brandishing the rifle. The officer then discharged his weapon and the subject was hit. No shots were reported fired from the assailant.

Officers administered first aid on the scene until paramedics arrived to transport the subject to a local hospital. The names of the suspect and the officer involved were withheld pending the investigation.

Witnesses are asked to call South San Francisco Police at (650) 877-8900 or the anonymous tip line (650) 952-2244.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: swhiting@sfchronicle.com