An El Cajon Police Sergeant was struck by a truck and thrown into the air before officers shot the female suspect who had driven the vehicle, details released in a report by the San Diego Police Department revealed. The violent incident occurred in the El Cajon Police Department Headquarters parking lot on Wednesday during preparations for a retirement ceremony, according to a San Diego Police Department report. The suspect, a woman in her 20s, reportedly drove a 2000 Toyota Tundra onto the sidewalk in an apparent attempt to run over the officers.
After the initial collision with the sergeant and a tree, the lieutenant on the scene requested backup. The injured sergeant and another officer, responding from the headquarters, subsequently opened fire on the suspect as she maneuvered the truck towards them a second time, according to a Hoodline report. The woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds and, despite the officers rendering aid until paramedics arrived, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The identities of the involved parties have not been disclosed, pending family notifications for the deceased. The sergeant, who has been with the El Cajon Police for nearly 25 years, and the second officer, with six years of service, are part of separate internal and external investigations to review the use of deadly force. Surveillance video captured the entirety of the incident, with at least one officer having activated his body-worn camera.
In the wake of the tragedy, the investigation has been turned over to San Diego Police Homicide Detectives, following county protocol for officer-involved shootings. Homicide inquiry will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to determine whether the officers bear any criminal liability. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney's Office will also be monitoring the ongoing process, the San Diego Police Department announced. , as the community comes to grips with the chaotic events that unfolded.
Given the severity of the incident and the circumstances surrounding it, the El Cajon Police Department has reached out to the community for patience and cooperation. Hoodline noted that the event raised scrutiny surrounding police and civilian interactions. Any further details are expected to be shared after the investigations are finished. The public, along with those directly affected, awaits answers as detectives work to piece together the causality of this violent altercation. Those with information about the incident should contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers with their tips.
