SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The suspect of a police-involved shooting that wounded two San Diego Police officers in the College Area late Saturday has been identified.
SDPD identified the suspect of the shooting as 28-year-old Joe Darwish, of San Diego. Police say Darwish shot at and wounded two officers answering a violent disturbance call in the College Area.
The two officers, Francisco Roman, a 3-year veteran, and Dan Bihum, an 18-year veteran of SDPD, were struck with gunfire. Roman is in serious but stable condition and Bihum has since been released from the hospital.
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Both are expected to make full recoveries.
Police say the two officers arrived at an apartment in the 4800 block of Rolando Ct. just after 10 p.m. Saturday to reports of a violent disturbance. After no response, the officers and firefighters entered the apartment after they smelled something burning.
As they made their way inside, police say Darwish shot at the officers and firefighters, striking Roman and Bihum.
The officers retreated from the apartment. Roman and Officer Shawn Boggeman, a 4-year veteran, returned fire as they exited, according to police. A standoff ensued, forcing residents to take cover.
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Police and firefighters evacuated residents to safety as a SWAT unit surrounded the unit where Darwish had barricaded himself. No residents were injured.
Early Sunday morning SWAT officers entered the unit and found Darwish dead. It remains unclear if he was killed by officers’ gunfire. Police said Darwish was wearing body armor.
A GoFundMe has bee established to help pay for Officer Roman's recovery. Donations are also being accepted by the San Diego Police Officer's Association.
