A deputy-involved shooting by the San Diego County Sheriff's deputies near Imperial Beach Pier has left one man dead, authorities say. The incident, which took place on Sunday, December 21, around 1:38 p.m. at 940 Seacoast Drive, involved two deputies and a sergeant being approached by the man now identified as Gary Gates. According to a press release from the San Diego Police Department, after stepping away from the deputies, Gates produced a knife and made statements suggesting he desired to be shot by the law enforcement officials, before advancing towards them.
Deputy Maxwell Hammond, who has three years of service with the Sheriff's Office and is stationed at the Imperial Beach Substation, responded by firing multiple shots at Gates, striking him at least once. Holding the knife in his hand, Gates was subsequently transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The deceased, aged 51, hailed from Evansville, Indiana, and had been residing in the San Diego area for about two years.
The San Diego Police Homicide Unit has stepped in to investigate the countywide memorandum of understanding that covers officer-involved shootings. These probes are known for their rigor and the subsequent review process that looks into such incidents. When SDPD Homicide concludes their inquiry, the findings will be assessed by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to determine if Deputy Hammond bears any criminal liability. Apart from this, the Sheriff's Office will also examine the case for policy violations, while the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office monitor the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information regarding this incident to come forth. Calls can be directed towards the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
