An officer-involved shooting in Santee, San Diego County, is currently under investigation after a standoff led to a suspect being shot and killed by deputies. According to a press release issued by the San Diego Police Department, the incident unfolded Sunday morning when deputies responded to a report of an assault with a firearm.
After deputies arrived at 9033 Willowgrove Avenue, the victims of the reported assault had already fled to safety. Fearing that the armed suspect had shot himself during a prolonged standoff, the Special Enforcement Detail (S.E.D.) breached the door to provide medical aid, only for the suspect to emerge from the residence and open fire on the officers. In an exchange of gunfire that pinned down behind an armored vehicle, three deputies fired their weapons, resulting in the suspect's death.
The confrontation began around 11:57 a.m. yesterday, with the suspect barricading himself in a house at 9016 Willowgrove Avenue. Despite efforts by the Crisis Negotiation Team and the deputies to negotiate a peaceful outcome, the suspect reportedly refused communication and continued his barricade, which led to the use of chemical agents to force him out of the residence.
Upon exiting the house, the suspect discharged a firearm at law enforcement, striking their armored vehicle. "The rounds struck the armored vehicle parked in front of the residence," as indicated in the press release. The deputies, who have served for 15, 11, and 9 years and whose body-worn cameras were activated, returned fire, fatally injuring the suspect.
San Diego Police Homicide Detectives are now leading the investigation to review the incident and determine if any criminal liability attaches to the officers involved. This is part of the routine process handled by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are monitoring the case.
The identities of the deputies involved have not been released. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an administrative investigation into the shooting. Community members with any information related to the incident are encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.
