MIAMI (CBS4) – A man with a knife was shot and killed by a Miami police officer early Sunday morning.

According to police, just before 2 a.m. one of their officers got into a confrontation with 26-year old Drew Randolph Pozdol in front of the Via Del Rio restaurant in the 1600 block of NW 27th Avenue.

“While at this location, a confrontation ensued which caused the officer to discharge his weapon and take action,” said Miami police spokeswoman Keandra Simmons.

Police did not say what led to the officer to pull his weapon and fatally shoot Pozdol who was carrying a knife.

“He always carried a knife for protection,” said Manny Lop, a friend of Pozdol.

According to a witness, who did not wish to be identified in this report, the confrontation turned physical before the officer pulled his gun.

“I saw that the cop was pushing him. When the guy asked him ‘Why are you pushing me?’ That’s when the cop shot him,” said the man who added he heard three gunshots.

When asked why he thought the cop fired, the witness replied “That, I don’t know.”

The man went on to say the shooting disturbed him.

“I got scared, but what am I going to do,” said the man.

Lop, who considered Pozdol like his little brother, blames himself for not protecting his friend.  He also questioned the officer’s decision to shoot.

“By him being on the floor why did he shoot him again the third time? Why all that rage,” wonder Lop.

Pozdol had an extensive criminal record, according to police, which included charges of robbery, battery, assault, resisting an officer with violence, battery of a firefighter/EMT/police officer and criminal mischief.