Early Today, an officer-involved shooting took place in Carlsbad, California, leaving a 16-year-old Hispanic male injured. According to a San Diego PD Press Release, around 12:44 a.m., police officers approached a white truck parked in a dirt lot near the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road. One adult and four teenagers were discovered inside the vehicle, along with alcoholic beverages.
As officers began directing the occupants out of the truck, the 16-year-old male, seated in the front passenger seat, exited before being asked. He reached under the passenger seat, despite orders from officers to stop. The teenager pulled a firearm from under the seat and turned towards one of the officers, prompting the officer to fire his weapon once, striking the juvenile in the right arm. In pain, he ran toward the ocean, eventually jumping or falling down the side of a cliff. Officers were able to apprehend him, administer medical aid, and subsequently transported him to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries, while severe, are expected to be non-fatal.
A firearm was later located near the area where the teenager was apprehended. Detectives are in the process of recovering the firearm and processing the scene. As reported via Twitter by the Carlsbad Police Department, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the shooting per countywide protocol.
The officer responsible for shooting the teenager has been employed by the Carlsbad Police Department since May 2023 and is currently assigned to patrol. As part of the thorough investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will review the Homicide Unit's findings to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for his actions. The Carlsbad Police will also conduct an administrative investigation into the discharge of the officer's firearm.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Attorney’s Office will monitor the ongoing investigation.
