The San Diego Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a recent officer-involved shooting that unfolded on Monday in San Diego's 800 block of 26th Street, a statement from the Sheriff’s office says. According to the report, a witness called San Diego Police Dispatch at approximately 3:20 p.m. after seeing a man with a partially hidden rifle in the vicinity of Sanger Place and Blanche Street. The individual, described as a Hispanic male adult, was seen placing the rifle into a white Ford F-150 truck and then taking out a handgun.
Following an altercation with an unknown bicyclist, during which the suspect reportedly fired a single shot into the ground, law enforcement, including SWAT officers, K-9 units, and less lethal resources, were dispatched to assist, per the San Diego County Sheriff's Office report. Upon arrival, officers identified and pursued a male who matched the suspect description and fled in the white F-150. The chase led onto Interstate 5 and transitioned to Interstate 15, finally moving onto surface streets lasting over 30 minutes.
When the suspect turned into a cul-de-sac on 26th Street, he collided with an SDPD K-9 patrol car, causing minor injuries to the officer inside. After a further collision with a pergola, two officers fired multiple rounds at the suspect when he revved his truck's engine. The officers then performed life-saving efforts until paramedics took over, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries. A rifle and handgun were later found inside the suspect's truck.
The investigation into the shooting, as per standard procedure, will be conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit and later reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the officers bear any criminal liability. The San Diego Police Department will also conduct an administrative review of the officer's use of their firearms, and the FBI, alongside the United States Attorney’s Office, will monitor the investigation.
The Sheriff's Office is appealing for anyone with relevant information to contact the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or after hours at (858) 868-3200. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be given by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
