San Diego, California – A tragic incident unfolded in downtown San Diego as a 26-year-old man fatally shot two individuals before engaging in a deadly shootout with police in Little Italy on Wednesday morning. The chaos left two victims dead and a Harbor Police officer wounded, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers on duty.
The officer, a trainee who did not discharge his weapon, was shot in the hip during the confrontation and was swiftly transported to UC San Diego Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, he is expected to recover from his injuries. In the exchange of gunfire, the gunman was killed by police.
The names of the officer and the suspected shooter have not been disclosed by authorities as they continue their investigation into the double homicide and subsequent shootout. The initial shooting occurred around 8:20 a.m. on Union Street near West A Street, where officers found a 39-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman shot inside a vehicle.
Following the shooting, a massive search for the gunman was launched as police, with the help of a helicopter, scoured downtown San Diego for the suspect. Approximately 45 minutes after the initial incident, a witness alerted Harbor Police officers in Little Italy to a man matching the suspect’s description, leading to the fatal shootout that followed.
San Diego police officers described the suspect as appearing openly armed and aggressive, prompting immediate action from Harbor Police officers. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the suspect being hit and subsequently succumbing to his wounds at a local hospital. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported in the incident.
Authorities are still working to establish the connection between the alleged gunman and the two homicide victims, all of whom were residents of San Diego. While details are still emerging, investigators believe the three individuals were acquainted with each other, indicating that the attack was targeted rather than random.
In light of the tragic events, Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez commended the officers on the scene for their swift and courageous response, emphasizing the inherent risks faced by law enforcement professionals daily. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement officials review surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to piece together the sequence of events that led to the violence in downtown San Diego and Little Italy.
The collaboration between different law enforcement agencies, including the countywide protocol for handling incidents involving their own officers, reflects the commitment to transparency and accountability in the investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shootings, authorities are working diligently to provide answers and ensure the safety of residents in San Diego.
