March 18, 2023 - San Diego Police Department officials reported that on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at approximately 3:23 p.m., a male called San Diego Police Department Communications and stated that his boat and vehicle were towed without warning. He was extremely upset and cursing. He stated he would grab a gun and start shooting people. The male then hung up. The address of the call was in the 6100 block of Tarragona Drive in the Rolando neighborhood.

At approximately 3:50 p.m., a nearby neighbor called the police to report hearing multiple gunshots near the original address.

The San Diego Police Helicopter (ABLE or Airborne Law Enforcement) arrived on scene and located a male in the yard of a residence located at the original address. As it circled overhead, the male grabbed a shotgun and fired a single shot in the direction of the helicopter. Fortunately, it appears that he missed the helicopter.

The male went back into the residence, but later came out and surrendered to officers surrounding the house. A shotgun and fired shotgun shells were later located in the yard.

When the helicopter was fired upon, it was occupied by three San Diego Police officers: a pilot and two tactical flight officers.

The suspect was identified as Richard Favorite. He is described as a 49-year-old white male. It appears he is the same male that made the earlier call to communications. He was booked into County Jail for the attempted murder of the ABLE crew, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at an occupied aircraft, and negligent discharge of a firearm.

Whenever an attempt on the life of officers occurs, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit responds. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and thoroughly and methodically investigating the crime.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source: San Diego Police Department