SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KGTV) — Authorities launched an investigation after a traffic stop in San Marcos evolved into a deputy-involved shooting that left a man dead Wednesday night.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, a deputy stopped a red Hyundai Sonata for a vehicle code violation in the 600 block of North Twin Oaks Valley Road, near Borden Road, just after 9 p.m.
Sheriff’s officials said a 21-year-old woman was in the driver’s seat and a 33-year-old man was in the front passenger seat during the stop.
The deputy checked the Sonata’s license plate and VIN and noticed the information “appeared inconsistent with DMV registration records,” officials said.
Additionally, the deputy saw there was damage to the steering column that indicated the car might have been stolen.
The deputy called for backup after the record and vehicle checks.
Sheriff’s officials said, “As multiple deputies and a Palomar College Police Officer arrived to assist, the front passenger abruptly rolled up his window and ignored commands to keep it down. The passenger then reached toward the floorboard and armed himself with a semiautomatic handgun. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the passenger did not comply.”
As deputies took the woman out of the vehicle and escorted her to safety, officials stated the man “continued to ignore commands and began to raise the firearm as deputies were positioned outside the car. In response, five deputies and one Palomar College Police Officer discharged their weapons, striking the passenger.”
Deputies removed the man from the car and performed life-saving measures, but he died a short time later, sheriff’s officials confirmed.
As part of San Diego County’s protocol regarding law enforcement officer-involved shootings, the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the incident.
Sheriff’s officials said, “Officer-involved shooting investigations are comprehensive and involve multiple layers of review. When SDPD Homicide completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the deputy and officer bear any criminal liability for their actions. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and Palomar College Police Department will review the investigation for any violations of policy. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.”
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
