Crime
Harbor Police Officer Injured, 3 Dead in Series of shootings in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy district
The suspected gunman has died at the hospital.
A San Diego Harbor Police officer was injured in a shootout Wednesday morning during a confrontation with a suspect involved in a double homicide earlier in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy district.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl reported that at approximately 8:20 a.m., officers responded to a shooting incident in the 1300 block of Union Street, where a man and a woman were fatally shot, and the gunman fled the scene.
The suspect, believed to have known the victims, was described by witnesses as a man wearing a green shirt and blue jeans, and this information was broadcast to law enforcement across the city.
Roughly 45 minutes later, officers from the Harbor Police Department, aiding in the manhunt, identified someone matching the suspect’s description near the intersection of Juniper Street and Kettner Boulevard.
According to SDPD Captain Manny Del Toro, the suspect displayed “blatant and aggressive” behavior, wore tactical pants and boots, and was armed with a gun and knives.
As Harbor Police officers attempted to approach him, a gunfight broke out. During the exchange, a Harbor Police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hip, and the suspect was also struck by police gunfire.
Three officers reportedly engaged in the gunfight, but it remains unclear who fired first.
The injured officer was transported to UC San Diego Medical Center, and while the injury was not immediately detailed, Chief Wahl expressed optimism about the officer’s recovery, urging the public to keep the officer in their thoughts.
Both the officer and the suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment, where, at approximately 11:40 a.m., the suspect was pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the deceased as a male in his twenties but did not release his name. Chief Wahl commended the swift and courageous response of the Harbor Police officers, noting their bravery in preventing potential additional harm to bystanders in the popular Little Italy area, which was busy with pedestrians and businesses at the time.
SDPD homicide detectives are now investigating the initial double homicide on Union Street to determine a motive.
Several roads in the area have been closed to facilitate the investigation, and police are requesting that the public avoid the following areas for the next few hours:
- Kettner Boulevard between W. Ivy and Laurel Streets
- Union Street between W. Ash and W. A Streets
- Intersection of Union and W. Ash Streets
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.