Armed Suspect Safely Taken Into Custody
De-escalation in action, as defined by POST
September 5, 2025 – San Diego Police Department officials report that a 911 caller reported a woman tried to stab him with a 
box cutter in downtown. Officers responded immediately to protect the community.
The suspect, armed and dangerous, ran into a shipping container in an attempt to evade officers.
Officers formed a perimeter, containing the suspect and keeping the public safe while they formulated a plan to take her into custody.
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) defines de-escalation as using time, distance, communication, and resources to gain voluntary compliance whenever it is safe and reasonable.
A 40mm foam launcher was staged. It fires a sponge round meant to cause pain but not serious injury, giving officers distance and time.
A K9, Taser 10, and beanbag shotgun were also staged, providing more safe options if needed.
Displaying these tools was enough to encourage a peaceful surrender.
The suspect was taken into custody safely without injuries.
This is how most of our high-stakes contacts play out. This is de-escalation in action.
View video here.
Source: San Diego Police Department
