From the New York Daily News:

A production assistant for Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0” was shot and killed by L.A. County sheriff’s deputies after being mistaken for a stabbing suspect.

John Winkler was reportedly trying to escape alleged attacker Alexander McDonald when he was erroneously gunned down outside his West Hollywood apartment Monday night.

The 30-year-old went to a neighbor’s home after hearing screams, to help out two friends being held captive at knife-point, according to the L.A. Times.

Authorities claim McDonald began fighting with the trio before stabbing them.

Deputies were called. After arriving at 9:30 p.m., they saw one of the men bursting out of the door – covered in blood and hemorrhaging from the neck.

Winkler followed out close behind – and appeared to be lunging at the first man.

Thinking the aspiring TV producer was the suspect because he was wearing a similar black T-shirt, three deputies opened fire – and hit both men.

Winkler was fatally wounded with a single shot. Rushed to hospital, he was soon declared dead. His friend was injured in the leg, and remains in stable condition.

Deputies then ran inside and allegedly saw McDonald choking one of the other men on the floor. They split the pair up, before arresting McDonald.

You can read more on the story at the New York Daily News.

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