An off-duty officer with 25 years of service at the San Diego Community College District Police Department was involved in a fatal confrontation on Fiesta Island last week, which ended with him shooting and killing a man who had been stabbing him. The altercation that led to gunfire took place around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, as reported by the City of San Diego's official website.
The SDCCD officer, now identified as Victor Bocaya, was stabbed multiple times in his upper torso before he fired his weapon, killing the attacker, identified as 41-year-old Brian Maloney III. After receiving emergency care at a local hospital, Officer Bocaya was released several days later and is expected to survive his injuries. According to a Hoodline report, both Bocaya and Maloney had brought their dogs to Fiesta Island. Following the incident, the animals were placed in the care of the San Diego Humane Society.
The San Diego Police Homicide Unit is treating the case as an officer-involved shooting due to Officer Bocaya having identified himself as a police officer before using his firearm. As outlined by the City of San Diego, investigations into such shootings are extensive and subject to review by several parties, including the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, which will determine if there is any criminal liability on the officer's part.
A San Diego Humane Society representative has confirmed their involvement but declined to comment on the specific condition of the animals or about the ongoing investigation. The public is being urged to contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers with any pertinent information regarding the case, ensuring transparency and accountability in the review process of this shocking occurrence on one of the city's known recreational spots.
