San Diego Police officer fatally shoots man carrying an axe
A San Diego Police Department officer fatally shot a man carrying an axe on Friars Road, closing the road and triggering investigations by both county and local authorities, according to reports.
Vandalism Report at the Morena Linda Vista Station Triggers Police Response
San Diego Police Department officers received dispatch orders at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday regarding an adult male using an axe to vandalize a trolley car at the Morena/Linda Vista Trolley platform, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Ground units and the San Diego Air Support Unit arrived within minutes to search the surrounding area.
Approximately fifteen minutes after the initial call, at about 3:35 p.m., an officer located a man matching the suspect description in the 4700 block of Friars Road. According to San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Lt. Juan Marquez, cited by NBC 7, the subject had an axe in his hand and approached the officer.
Friars Road Shooting Leaves Suspect Dead After Multiple Rounds Fired
One police officer fired multiple rounds, striking the individual in the street on the south side of Friars Road. Tyron Bobo, a nearby resident sleeping in a tent, told NBC 7 that he woke up to the sound of gunfire. Another anonymous witness reported to NBC 7 that the man walked swiftly toward the officer holding a hatchet.
Officers requested paramedics immediately and began rendering lifesaving aid. The San Diego Fire Department arrived shortly after to continue medical efforts. Despite intervention by first responders, the man was pronounced dead at approximately 4:10 p.m. No police officers sustained injuries during the encounter.
Sheriff Investigates Homicide as Police Conduct Administrative Review
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the homicide investigation under the terms of a countywide agreement designed to prevent conflicts of interest between local law enforcement agencies. Investigators will submit the completed case file to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the officer bears criminal liability for the shooting.
Concurrently, the San Diego Police Department will conduct an internal administrative review regarding the officer’s discharge of the firearm. Authorities closed both directions of Friars Road between Sea World Drive and Napa Street during the active investigation, prompting traffic diversions throughout the Morena neighborhood.
The exact motivation and broader circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain under investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.