Police mistake crucifix for gun in fatal shooting of 73-year-old man

(FOX 11) - Authorities have confirmed that 73-year-old Francisco Serna was holding a crucifix made from dark-colored wood, but police thought it was a gun.

Serna was killed near his home after a neighbor called 9-1-1 and said she felt threatened by a man and thought he might have a weapon .

When police arrived Serna refused to remove his hand from his jacket and officers fired seven rounds at him.

Family members say he was suffering from dementia and the religious item comforted him.