CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) – An officer-involved shooting near the Chula Vista Bayfront left a man dead early Wednesday morning, San Diego Police Department officials said.
Per San Diego County protocol, the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident, which occurred just after 1 a.m.
San Diego Police said Chula Vista Police received a call regarding a single-vehicle traffic collision at Marina Parkway and Sandpiper Way, near the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center project.
A CVPD officer responded and observed a white sedan with front-end damage and a male driver (the vehicle's lone occupant).
SDPD officials said the officer asked the driver to turn off the engine and get out of the car, but the man “did not comply and began reaching around inside the car.”
The officer then called for additional assistance, and officials added, “As other officers responded to assist, they continued to give directions to the male to exit the vehicle. During this time, the engine revved, and it appeared the male was trying to drive away, however the vehicle was likely non-operational due to the front end damage.”
A standoff ensued, with officers using non-lethal pepper balls in an attempt to get the man to exit the car.
SDPD officials said, “At one point, officers could briefly see that he appeared to have a firearm in his hand.”
After about 30 minutes, the man eventually opened his car door and pointed a gun at officers. The man then fired at least one shot towards the officers.
A Chula Vista Police sergeant returned fire, discharging his weapon multiple times, officials said.
The man, described as Hispanic in his 50s, was wounded after being hit in the upper torso.
After officers provided first aid at the scene, the man was taken to the hospital for further treatment.
SDPD Lt. Jud Campbell confirmed the man later died from his injuries. It was unknown if he was under the influence or if he had a known criminal history, Campbell said.
Campbell said no officers were hurt in the incident.
SDPD officials said a firearm was “recovered from the ground just beside the driver’s seat of the car.”
According to SDPD officials, the CVPD sergeant who fired his weapon is a 23-year veteran of the department and assigned to patrol.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
