San Diego police spent today tracking a suspect along the riverbed between 4800 Pacific Highway and Morena Boulevard after an officer-involved shooting, turning the area into a major law enforcement operation with air support and SWAT on scene. Officers urged the public to stay away and use alternate routes while the search continued into the evening, and officials released only limited details as the situation unfolded.
What Police Have Said So Far
According to the San Diego Police Department, officers are combing the riverbed area for a suspect and have asked drivers to find other ways around the scene. The post notes that multiple officers, air support and SWAT teams are working the search, and it does not identify any injured parties or indicate whether anyone has been detained. Police say the operation remains active and are asking people to avoid the area while officers canvas the surroundings.
We are currently searching for a suspect after an officer involved shooting near the riverbed in between 4800 Pacific Highway and Morena Blvd.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) June 30, 2026
Please avoid the area and use alternate routes as the search continues.
We have multiple officers, air support, and SWAT working the…
How These Incidents Are Handled
Officer-involved shootings in San Diego County are typically investigated by the agency with jurisdiction, then reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, which sends investigators to the scene, the DA's website explains. After the main investigation wraps, the DA decides whether criminal charges are appropriate, a process that can take weeks or months while evidence is examined. The DA's overview also notes that state and federal authorities may monitor these cases.
Local Investigation And Video Release Rules
Under a countywide memorandum outlined by the City of San Diego, the county sheriff’s homicide unit often leads investigations into San Diego Police Department officer-involved shootings, while SDPD internal affairs conducts a separate administrative review. The city’s critical-incident guidance also notes that California law generally requires the release of critical-incident video within 45 days, although the District Attorney can delay release if doing so is necessary while criminal charges are pending.
Why An Outside Probe Matters
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has taken the lead in recent SDPD shooting investigations, providing an outside homicide inquiry that is intended to reduce conflicts of interest. That external investigation then feeds into the District Attorney's review, which ultimately determines whether officers involved in a shooting face criminal charges.
Where To Get Updates
Police have not released a suspect description or confirmed any injuries, saying only that more information will be shared when it becomes available. For real-time developments, check the San Diego Police Department post on X and the department's San Diego Police Department news center, where formal statements and follow-up details are expected to be posted.
