Critical Incident Video - National City
October 9, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials are releasing video from a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on September 27, 2024, in National City. This critical incident video will provide members of the public with further clarity and understanding of the deputy-involved shooting that occurred.
The video you will see in this briefing was captured with the body-worn cameras of a San Diego County Sheriff's Office Detective and a National City Police Department Corporal. In this incident, there is additional surveillance video captured by a car dealership in the area.
The body-worn camera is placed near the center line of a deputy's or officer's uniform shirt. It is important to note the camera lens is fixed and does not fully capture what is seen by the human eye.
Materials presented in this video have been redacted to protect privacy rights and avoid release of information prohibited under state law. Such redactions do not affect the depiction of events presented in this video.
WARNING Graphic Content: Viewer Discretion is Advised.
To watch the video, click here.
National City Police Officers immediately provided medical aid to the suspect until paramedics arrived on scene, but the man did not survive his injuries.
The County Medical Examiner Office has identified the suspect as 46-year-old Gene Stewart (46) of Lakeside. His family has been notified of his death.
The driver and a second passenger in the car during the initial traffic stop were arrested and have since posted bail. Dominic DiMaio (29) and Whitney Cowan (36) face charges of possessing and transporting controlled substances for sale and being a felon in possession of body armor.
The employee involved in this shooting is Detective Douglas Akers. He was hired on April 21, 1989. He is assigned to the East County Regional Gang Task Force and works undercover.
Detective Akers was treated at a hospital for minor injuries he sustained from the breaking glass. No other deputies or officers were hurt.
In accordance with Sheriff's Office policy for all deputy-involved shootings, Detective Akers is on administrative assignment until he is cleared for full duty.
In accordance with the Countywide Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2022, the San Diego Police Department is conducting the investigation regarding this deputy-involved shooting. The District Attorney's Office will review the San Diego Police Department's investigation.
The County's Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) is reviewing the incident and will provide any appropriate recommendations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Attorney's Office are also monitoring the investigation.
We are committed to transparency, public trust and compliance with the law.
The San Diego Police Department is investigating the shooting per a Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2022. Thisformal agreement adds a layer of transparency to ensure no agencies investigate their own shooting incidents. To read the news releases issued regarding this incident, click on the links below:
With the investigation still underway, San Diego Police has reviewed and approved the release of this critical incident video.
The District Attorney's Office will review San Diego Police's investigation. The County's Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) is reviewing the incident and will provide appropriate recommendations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Attorney's Office are also monitoring the investigation.
Source & photos from video: San Diego County Sheriff's Office