An early morning altercation at a La Jolla hotel has left one with injuries and the suspect dead, following a sequence of events leading up to a high-speed pursuit ending off a San Diego pier. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) reported an assault with a deadly weapon at the Shoal Hotel at 6750 La Jolla Blvd just after midnight on Monday.
According to the San Diego Police Department, front desk clerk Aaron Tran, 23, allegedly entered the room of two women guests under the pretense of a water leak. The situation escalated when Tran handed one of the victims his cell phone displaying a threatening message and brandished a knife. The victim suffered a laceration near her collarbone during an ensuing scuffle before she and the other occupant managed to escape and contact authorities.
The police, having obtained a vehicle description and license plate number, issued a citywide broadcast in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. The San Diego Harbor Police engaged in chasing the suspect's white Honda but lost visual. Subsequently, reports of a vehicle matching the description plunging off the pier by the USS Midway led to the discovery of Tran, deceased from what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries, in the submerged vehicle.
While the injured hotel guest has since been treated and released, the SDPD is actively investigating this incident and encouraging public assistance. Lt. Paul Phillips, of the Northern Division, can be reached at 858-552-1704 with any relevant information, or tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. The SDPD's call for public input signals a widening investigation as they seek to unearth any past incidents associated with Tran.
