A suspected car burglar was shot and wounded on Aug. 11 by San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officers as his accomplice was on the run in University City.
The suspect, whose identity was withheld, was hospitalized after the shooting, said Lt. Joseph Jarjura of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit, which was investigating the shooting.
At 3:12 a.m. Friday, the police department received a call from a witness who said two suspects were breaking into vehicles at an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Lebon Drive, the lieutenant said.
Officers arrived at the scene a few minutes later and contacted the suspects inside a reported stolen vehicle, but they refused to follow commands, and instead, fled on foot, he said.
Officers followed one suspect, identified themselves as police officers, and gave commands to stop. He then turned toward the officers with a firearm in his hand, Mr. Jarjura said, adding that it appeared he fired at least one round at the officers.
“This prompted one officer to discharge his duty weapon multiple times,” Mr. Jarjura said. The suspect was hit with several rounds and went to the ground. His firearm was located nearby.
“Officers provided medical aid before he was transported to the hospital,” Mr. Jarjura said. “Per the hospital, he is expected to survive his injuries. His name is being withheld at this time. No officers were injured.”
The second suspect was described as a man, possibly in his 20s, around 6 feet tall with a medium build, wearing a blue mask, black hoodie and gray jeans, the lieutenant said. It was not known if he was armed.
The sheriff’s department’s Homicide Unit was brought in to conduct an investigation of the police shooting after the Countywide Memorandum Of Understanding between the police and sheriff’s departments. When the investigation is complete, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability. The police department will also conduct an administrative investigation into the shooting. The Commission on Police Practices will conduct a review of the shooting and provide recommendations.
Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-565-5200. The Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line can be reached at 888-580-8477.
