Update: SDPD OIS - Friars Road in San Diego
May 24, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on May 20, 2024, at about 10:39 a.m., the San Diego Police 
Department received a call from a market in the 1000 block of Moreno Blvd., reference a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. The victim stated a black male, in his 20's, selected merchandise from the store, walked up to the counter and asked the victim if the store accepted credit cards. The victim stated they did and began to walk behind the counter to complete the sale. The suspect proceeded to walk out of the store, without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. The victim attempted to stop the suspect when the suspect pulled out a knife and threatened the victim. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
A San Diego Police Officer arrived at the market and obtained a physical and clothing description of the suspect and broadcasted the suspect's description over his radio to other responding officers.
Officers observed a male, who matched the description of the suspect and was still carrying a knife, in the 5300 block of Napa Street. Officers attempted to detain the suspect, but the suspect failed to comply with commands. Officers used a Taser device on the suspect without success, and the suspect fled on foot. Officers pursued the suspect to a transient encampment in the 5300 block of Friars Rd., where the suspect confronted an uninvolved male, and held the male hostage by holding a knife to the victim's neck. Three SDPD Officers fired at the suspect, striking him. Officers immediately began life saving measures until they were relieved by paramedics. Unfortunately, the suspect succumbed to his injuries on scene. The hostage was not injured in the incident. The suspect in this case has been identified but we are withholding his name pending notification of his next of kin.
No officers were injured in the incident. The officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Matthew Steinbach, Michael Howells, and Justin Tellam. Officer Steinbach has been employed by San Diego Police Department for twelve years. Officer Howells has been employed by the San Diego Police Department for one and a half years. Both officers are assigned to the San Diego Police Department Western Division. Officer Tellam has been employed by the San Diego Police Department for six and a half years. He is assigned to the San Diego Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team.
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.
To view the previous press release dated May 20, 2024, click here.
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
