Authorities say three anti-crime plainclothes officers spotted Romano, who they say fit the description of suspect wanted for a robbery that occurred on March 24. The officers pulled their vehicle over and say that as Romano approached the police car, he pulled out a .357-caliber revolver.
As the driver struggled with the suspect for the gun, a female officer jumped out of the car, ran to the other side and fired her weapon. Romano was struck in the shoulder. The bullet apparently traveled into his chest, killing him.
He was rushed to Lutheran Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police say Romano has been convicted of seven separate felonies and has been arrested more than 10 times. Authorities also say he was carrying two wallets loaded with cash, extra bullets in his pocket and a large bag of marijuana.
None of the three officers was injured.
