SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A San Diego Police sergeant was shot and a suspect was killed during an investigation in the 4S Ranch area, law enforcement officials confirmed.
San Diego County sheriff’s officials said San Diego Police officers were notified of a reported stolen vehicle at around 10 p.m. Thursday. The vehicle was then located at the 4S Commons Town Center (10500 block of 4S Commons Drive) at roughly 11:30 p.m.
Sheriff’s officials said the suspected vehicle thief was inside a store, but when officers tried to contact, he ran from the business.
After exiting the store, officials stated, “The suspect fired at least one round at the officers and struck one of them in the head. That prompted multiple officers to discharge their firearms. Multiple rounds struck the suspect. He went to the ground and his firearm was near him.”
Officers rendered aid to both the suspect and the injured officer before they were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
According to sheriff’s officials, the suspect died at around 1 a.m. Friday.
SDPD Chief David Nisleit told the media early Friday morning that the sergeant was in serious but stable condition. The sergeant was slated to undergo surgery later in the morning, the chief said.
Police said the sergeant "was expected to survive."
Just after 12 p.m., SDPD officials told ABC 10News the sergeant was released from surgery and was stable at Scripps La Jolla Hospital.
"This is a very dangerous situation; multiple rounds being fired at officers. The officers did a phenomenal job tonight," Nisleit said. "Obviously, we have a sergeant in the hospital, that makes me emotional. But the officers did an amazing job tonight."
Per San Diego County protocols, the sheriff’s department Homicide Unit will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. SDPD will investigate the stolen vehicle report.
The chief said this is the third officer shot in the line of duty in the last 12 months. When asked about that, Nisleit gave a long and impassioned response.
"This goes back to not holding criminals accountable. And victims of violent crimes losing their voice. And it puts law enforcement in this position where the authority, the narrative about law enforcement creates an environment that's dangerous. Even more dangerous. And if you have a suspect that's willing to shoot at police, they're willing to shoot at anybody. So you have somebody that openly fires on police officers, again this is my third officer that's been hit in the last 12 months ,and I've had multiple officers shot at. Yes, we're a large city, but we've not seen this kind of violence towards law enforcement in my 35-year career that I can remember. And you can tell I'm kind of fed up with it, to be honest with you. And a lot of it is because criminals are no longer being held accountable. And it's gotta stop."
Police said the sergeant has been with the department for several years and has served with the SWAT unit.
Happening now:
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) December 8, 2023
A San Diego Police Sergeant was shot during an investigation at the 4S Commons Town Center. A resulting Officer Involved Shooting occurred. The Sergeant and suspect have both been transported to the hospital.
