The article states that the cops shot the soldier who was fleeing the scene while brandishing a pistol. So he wanted to not get killed by having his weapon ready but ended up looking like the number one suspect and died anyway.
What a shame. I could see how this happened.
Running around with a gun in your hand is not a smart idea.
I could see how a veteran soldier, especially a recent one, could pull his gun and keep it out - but during flight is what I find odd. Instinct or whatever could bring the gun out, but I don’t imagine such a trained person also running with it in that state.
I’m an armchair tactician on this one, but it sounds odd that he would do that.