Last Friday, a robbery and an ensuing confrontation with police resulted in the death of a suspect in San Diego. The incident began when a man, now identified as a black male in his 20s, allegedly robbed a store at knifepoint before fleeing, later holding a bystander hostage.
According to a press release by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the events unfolded after the suspect left a market in the 1000 block of Moreno Blvd without paying for merchandise. When confronted by the store clerk, the suspect "pulled out a knife and threatened the victim" before escaping on foot. A physical and clothing description of the suspect was obtained by a responding San Diego Police officer and broadcast over the radio.
San Diego Police officers later spotted a man fitting the suspect's description in the 5300 block of Napa Street. The officers' attempt to detain him, including the use of a Taser, was unsuccessful, and the suspect fled to a transient encampment on Friars Road. There, he held an uninvolved male hostage by placing a knife to the victim's neck. Officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts were made, according to the Sheriff's Department.
The San Diego Police Department, as well as the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, are investigating the officer-involved shooting, with the case set to be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office. The officers, identified as Matthew Steinbach, Michael Howells, and Justin Tellam, have been with the department for twelve, one and a half, and six and a half years, respectively, and are assigned to various divisions within the department. The officers and the bystander were reported uninjured in the incident, stated the Sheriff's Department.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information regarding this matter to contact the Homicide Unit. Details surrounding the shooting, including the motivation and circumstances, are still under examination, with detectives interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.
