August 12, 2023 - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on August 11, 2023, at about 3:12 a.m., the San Diego Police Department received a call from a reporting party stating two suspects were breaking into vehicles at an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Lebon Drive in San Diego. Officers arrived on scene a few minutes later. They contacted the suspects inside a reported stolen vehicle.

Officers gave them verbal commands, but the suspects fled on foot. Officers followed Suspect one (S1), identified themselves as police officers, and gave verbal commands to stop. The initial report is S1 turned towards the officers with a firearm in his hand. It appeared that S1 fired at least one round at the officers. This prompted one officer to discharge his duty weapon multiple times. S1 was hit with several rounds and went down to the ground. His firearm was located nearby. Officers provided medical aid before he was transported to the hospital. Per the hospital, he is expected to survive his injuries. His name is being withheld at this time.

No officers were injured.

Suspect two (S2) was described as a Hispanic male adult, possibly in his 20's, around 6' with a medium build, wearing a blue mask, black hooded sweatshirt, and gray jeans. It is unknown if S2 is armed.

Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved-shooting investigation.  At this stage of the investigation, the motivation and circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions. The San Diego Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm.  The Commission on Police Practices (CPP) will conduct a review of the incident and provide any appropriate recommendations.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department