CORDOVA, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis police say officers helping to serve a search warrant at a Cordova residence fatally shot a man after he pointed a handgun at officers.

A statement from the Memphis Police Department says officers were assisting the Memphis Animal Shelter execute a search warrant alleging animal cruelty. The statement says officers entered the home and found the suspect armed. Police say the man pointed the gun at officers, who fired at him.

The man's name wasn't released.

Police say the animal shelter requested assistance in serving the warrant due to what they described as threatening behavior by the suspect in previous encounters.

Police Director Toney Armstrong said there will be an investigation to assure proper procedures were followed.

Several animals were recovered, including dogs, cats, chickens, opossums and a raccoon.