Update - SDPD OIS – 4700 block of Friars Rd., in San Diego
October 27, 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 October 21, 2026, in the 4700 block of Friars Road in the City of San Diego.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., San Diego Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of an adult male using an axe to vandalize a trolley at the Morena/Linda Vista Trolley platform. Officers, along with the San Diego Air Support Unit (ABLE), arrived within minutes and began searching the area for the individual.
At about 3:35 p.m., a San Diego Police officer located a man matching the reported description in the 4700 block of Friars Road. The man charged at the officer while armed with an axe. An officer-involved shooting occurred, during which one officer fired multiple rounds, striking the suspect.
Officers immediately requested paramedics and began rendering lifesaving aid. The San Diego Fire Department arrived and continued medical efforts. Despite these attempts, the man was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:10 p.m.
No San Diego Police Department officers were injured during the incident.
The decedent has been identified as 36-year-old Thomas Johnson, a resident of San Diego County. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to his family and all those affected by his passing.
The officer who discharged his weapon has been identified as Officer Luisito Fanlo. Officer Fanlo has been with the San Diego Police Department for eight years and is assigned to patrol at the Western Division.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit responded and is conducting the investigation into the officer‑involved shooting. The motivation and circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation. Detectives are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating all aspects of the event.
The review process for officer-involved shootings is comprehensive. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, the case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the involved officer bears any criminal liability. The San Diego Police Department will also conduct an administrative review of 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 may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580‑8477.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
