An officer-involved shooting in San Diego drew attention last Thursday when local law enforcement confronted and shot a man alleged to have been wielding an axe. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported that the shooting took place in the afternoon, around 4:25 PM, in the 4300 block of Dawes Street, shortly after the suspect had caused a disturbance inside the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library.
San Diego Police officers reportedly arrived to find a male suspect, later identified as 54-year-old William John Hanley, carrying a weapon that resembled an axe. Despite several orders to drop the weapon, Hanley purportedly failed to heed police directives and was subsequently shot. Witnesses initially called into San Diego Police Dispatch around 4:20 PM to report the disturbance, and this was the suspect officers aimed to locate and neutralize quickly.
After the incident, the injured suspect received immediate medical attention from the officers on the scene and was transported to a hospital by paramedics. The suspect's injuries are not expected to be life-threatening, according to details shared by the Hoodline report. The Officer who discharged his weapon was identified as Dominic Bloemendaal, a seven-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, now assigned to patrol at the Northern Division.
An extensive investigation is currently underway to thoroughly assess the incident. Sheriff's Homicide Detectives were on the scene to collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and further investigate the circumstances of the shooting. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney's Office are also involved to closely monitor the developments of this case. At the conclusion of the local investigation, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office will have to ultimately determine if any criminal liability rests with the officers involved.
Suggestions or insights about the incident can be forwarded to the Homicide Unit by calling (858) 285-6330 or (858) 868-3200 after hours. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
