John Winkler dead, 'Tosh.O' producer shot & killed by police: 'Comedy Central' star tragically mistaken for stabbing suspect Alexander McDonald

Very sad day for the "Tosh.O" crew over at Comedy Central.

Reports confirm that John Winkler, a production assistant for the popular commentary show, was "mistakenly" shot and killed by police in LA on Monday (April 7).

Apparently, the 30-year-old aspiring television producer was accidentally misidentified as dangerous stabbing suspect, 27-year-old Alexander McDonald. He was tragically killed with a single gunshot.

According to the LA Times, Winkler just moved to California from Washington about six months ago to continue working. He was hanging out in his West Holllywood apartment when he heard screams coming from a nearby unit on Monday evening. He allegedly went to help his friends, who were being held hostage at knife-point by McDonald. He was trying to escape the apartment when cops identified him as the attacker, and began shooting. One fatal gunshot wound, and Winkler was later declared dead at the hospital.

Apparently, one victim began running out of the apartment first, covered in blood. Winkler followed, and authorities thought he was getting ready to attack. Both men were wearing black shirts, which added to the confusion. A shoot-out followed, resulting in both individuals being shot. The other unidentified victim was wounded in the leg, but remains in stable condition.

After Winkler went down, cops witnessed McDonald choking another victim inside the apartment. The fight was broken up and McDonald was ultimately arrested.

Los Angeles Sheriff John Scott told the LA Times, "I have no doubt the entire Sheriff's Department mourns the death of John Winkler, none more than the deputies involved."

Devin Richardson, Winkler's roommate, also said, "It's just a really sad story. He basically went to help some neighbors and ends up getting shot."

RIP, John Winkler.