Update - SDPD OIS 1600 block of Sixth Ave., in San Diego 

July 5, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Homicide Unit responded to an officer‑involved shooting that occurred on the afternoon of June 23, 2026, in the 1600 block of Sixth Avenue in the Cortez Hill neighborhood of the City of San Diego.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officers responded to a report of a man who had threatened to kill his mother. The man was reportedly armed with a knife. The victim was able to escape the apartment prior to officers’ arrival and sustained minor injuries.

Upon officers arrival, the man barricaded himself inside the apartment, initiating an hour‑long standoff. During this time, the subject threw household items out of a window, damaging parked police vehicles, and started a fire inside the residence, causing the entire apartment complex to be evacuated.

Officers ultimately made entry into the apartment, at which point an officer‑involved shooting occurred, and the man was struck. Officers immediately provided medical aid and requested paramedics. The subject was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His mother was also transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

No San Diego Police Department officers were injured during the incident.

The decedent has been identified as 32-year-old Josue White.  A resident of San Diego. The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends our condolences to his family and all those affected by his passing.

The officers who discharged their weapons have been identified as Officer Brandon Jordan, Officer Matthew Steinbach, and Officer Shayan Esambolchi.

Officer Jordan has been with the San Diego Police Department for 19 years and is assigned to patrol at the Central Division. Officer Steinbach has been with the San Diego Police Department for 14 years and is assigned to patrol at the Western Division. Officer Esambolchi has been with the San Diego Police Department for six years and is assigned to patrol at the Southeastern Division.  All three officers are members of the SDPD SWAT Primary Response Team.

To view the previous press release dated June 24, 2026, click here.

Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into the officer‑involved shooting. At this stage, the motivation and circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation. Detectives are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing all aspects of the event.

The investigative and review process for officer‑involved shootings is comprehensive. Once the Homicide Unit concludes its investigation, the case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for review to determine whether the officer bears any criminal liability. The San Diego Police Department will also conduct an administrative review into the officer's discharge of the firearm.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285‑6330. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580‑8477.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office