BEAUMONT — The man killed Thursday by a Beaumont police officer has been identified as a Port Arthur native.

A release from the City of Beaumont said the burglary suspect has been identified as Kennith Waynon Hooker, a 52-year-old transient male born in Port Arthur who has lived in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties.

Police said Hooker has an extensive criminal history and is believed to have committed two burglaries that night prior to the police encounter Thursday morning.

Authorities said Hooker’s next of kin has been located and notified.

The two officers who responded to the burglary are on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated and all evidence is brought to a Jefferson County grand jury.

On Thursday at 5:15 a.m., Beaumont Police responded to 2578 IH-10 East in reference to a burglary.

Beaumont Police received a call advising someone was breaking in to Al Basha Mediterranean Restaurant.

When officers arrived they discovered forced entry into the building.

Officers went inside the business and located a suspect. During the encounter the officer discharged his duty weapon, striking Hooker.

Beaumont EMS responded and pronounced Hooker dead at the scene.