The California Department of Justice has taken over the investigation into a fatal shooting by Escondido Police following a freeway chase that ended tragically for an unidentified woman. According to CBS 8, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office launched an investigation consistent with AB1506 mandates, which necessitates a state-level review of any law enforcement-involved shootings that result in the death of an unarmed civilian.
The incident, which occurred on southbound Interstate 15 near State Route 163, prompted more than half a dozen patrol cars to the scene and involved a chase of a woman driving a black SUV from Escondido to Miramar. The chase concluded with a collision involving two civilian vehicles, one being the SUV driven by the now deceased woman. As of now, the motivations for the pursuit and the specifics that led to the deadly shooting have not been disclosed.
In a report from The San Diego Union-Tribune, Escondido police Lt. Ryan Hicks described the chain of events as follows: a pursuit, a crash, a confrontation, and ultimately the shooting involving officers. Hicks confirmed that the incident was recorded on police body-worn cameras, with footage expected to be released in the coming weeks. He also noted that no officers were injured during the ordeal.
The state DOJ is now managing the case, taking the reins from the California Highway Patrol, which initially believed they would oversee the investigation. The shooting investigation team of the DOJ has been assigned, and the case will be turned over to its special prosecution section for review after the complete investigation. Still, the identity of the woman at the center of this investigation has yet to be confirmed publicly, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances of her death.
Officials are still seeking information about the incident. Individuals with knowledge about the case are encouraged to contact investigators through the number provided by the DOJ: 916-210-2871.
