HUNTINGTON, Va. - It's been nearly a week since police shot and killed a suspected flower thief along Route 1 in Huntington and investigators have offered few details about what led an officer to open fire.

"It's something that you don't expect that's going to happen, right?" asked Anna Pisfil, who owns the landscaping business where 52-year-old David Masters, a former Green Beret, had allegedly been stealing flowers minutes before his death.

"Just taking flowers and then you hear he was shot," Pisfil said. "So it's very sad."

David Masters, 52

Pisfil says she can't comprehend why police shot and killed Masters. Officers say they tried to pull Masters fled when they tried to to pull him over, only to get caught in traffic.

Investigators have provided few answers as to why a Fairfax County (web | news) police officer -- who has not been identied -- used deadly force. Police confirmed Wednesday that Masters was unarmed.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw the incident, that could give us a different perspective or a different point of view," said Fairfax County police spokesman Ofc. Bud Walker. "We want to know all of the facts."

Family and friends say Masters suffered bi-bolar disorder, but was never violent.

"They get confused," said Master's neighbor, Lawrence Shepherd. "It's still no reason to be shooting this man."

"I think it's sad," added Nell Sullivan, another neighbor. "I can't imagine him doing something bad enough for them to shoot him."

Masters lived in Fredericksburg, where neighbors say he just put up a new American flag.

"It would be nice if somebody could remember him, to take and see what it is he did for the country," said Becky Furlough, another neighbor.

Police say they are working on getting the answers about what happened leading up to Masters' death, but it may take time. Masters' friends believe it was likely a tragic misunderstanding.

"That man did not threaten them," Shepherd said. "He did not have a weapon and I think it's the worst thing I've ever seen."

Police say all three officers involved in the incident have spoken to investigators. They plan to release their findings once the investigation is police. The case will likely be reviewed by the Commwealth's Attorney.

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