An officer-involved shooting in San Diego has sparked an investigation after a male suspect, reportedly wielding an axe, was shot by an SDPD officer. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the incident occurred yesterday in the 4300 block of Dawes Street.
Approximately at 4:20 PM, Pacific Beach/Taylor Library witnesses noted a man causing disruption and displaying a weapon within its confines, quickly alerting San Diego Police Dispatch. Leaving the library, the suspect was later encountered by responding officers on Dawes Street, where, according to law enforcement, he was seen with a weapon mimicking an axe. Refusing to relinquish the weapon, the man was shot by the police after being ordered to drop it several times.
Following the shooting, officers at the scene rendered medical assistance to the suspect, who is now recovering in a local hospital under the expectation that he will survive the encounter. The Sheriff's Homicide Detectives, arriving thereafter, found and collected a weapon similar to an axe at the shooting's location.
Tasked with the officer-involved shooting investigation, the detectives gather evidence and conduct interviews. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will monitor the ongoing investigation, ensuring additional oversight.
The conclusive review for the event will be multi-faceted, including an examination by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to discern if criminal liability exists for the involved officers, and an internal San Diego Police Department assessment of the officers' use of their firearms. Feedback or information about the incident can be directed to the Sheriff's Homicide Unit by calling (858) 285-6330 or, for after-hours, at (858) 868-3200. Crime Stoppers also receives anonymous tips at (888) 580-8477.
