An officer-involved shooting has been reported in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego, where a 59-year-old white male suspect allegedly brandishing a handgun was fatally shot by SWAT snipers. The incident took place on Angelique Street around noon when San Diego Police Officers were called to the scene due to reports of the man pointing a weapon at construction workers, as confirmed by an official release from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. A pest control worker also stated fearing for his life. He locked himself in his truck before SDPD SWAT and Emergency Negotiations Officers were called in to assist him.
Upon arriving, officers encountered the suspect holding what was claimed to be a semi-automatic pistol. As outlined in the official press release, the suspect didn’t comply with commands to drop the firearm, leading to containment efforts to mitigate any further threats. In an attempt to evacuate the trapped pest control worker, SWAT officers were confronted by the man pointing his firearm at them, resulting in two veteran SWAT snipers discharging their rifles. The suspect was struck in the upper body and succumbed to his injuries on the scene, where a handgun was later found.
The two officers involved were a 17-year patrol veteran from the Central Division and a 10-year patrol officer from the Mid City Division, serving as SWAT snipers. In line with protocol, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit has initiated an investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is still ongoing as they interview witnesses and collect evidence to understand the motivations behind the suspect's actions.
Upon completion of the homicide investigation, the case will undergo a review by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, which will sift through the details to determine if criminal liability falls on the officers. Simultaneously, the San Diego Police Department will conduct its administrative review of the firearm discharge by the officers. Any individuals with knowledge about the shooting are urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or after hours at (858) 868-3200, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
