SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A search was launched in the Chollas Creek area Thursday for an “armed and dangerous” man accused of shooting a San Diego Police officer.
According to the San Diego Police Officers Association, the officer was shot while investigating a stolen vehicle report. Police said the officer, who has been with the department for about one year, noticed a white truck while on patrol before doing research and learning the vehicle was stolen several days ago.
After conducting a traffic stop, police said the suspect got out of the vehicle and ran on foot. At some point during the foot pursuit, the suspect produced a firearm.
San Diego County sheriff’s officials confirmed an SDPD officer was shot and taken to the hospital. The injury is non-life threatening, police said. The officer did not fire his gun, police added.
San Diego Police noted the officer was shot in the 5200 block of Wightman Street inside an apartment complex at around 11:10 a.m.
SDPD tweeted officers are looking for a bald Hispanic male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds, last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt.
Due to the search for the suspected shooter, a shelter-in-place order was issued for a section of Chollas Creek. University Avenue was also shut down between 52nd and 54th streets.
As of 7:40 p.m., the shelter-in-place had been lifted. "The shelter-in-place has been lifted. We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all our law enforcement partners who responded," the department said. "We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Chollas Creek area for your patience and support."
San Diego Unified School District officials confirmed Marshall Elementary and Fay Elementary schools were locked down due to the ongoing police activity.
As the search entered the afternoon, SDPD officials said a SWAT unit and crisis negotiators were at the scene.
ABC 10News learned there was a countywide response from local law enforcement agencies to assist in the search.
SDPD officials said the department's Homicide Unit would handle the investigation into the shooting.
Due to a police activity, we are asking residents in the chollas creek area to shelter in place. We are looking for a Hispanic male, 5’8”, approx 150 lbs, bald, grey sweatshirt. This person is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911 if seen. pic.twitter.com/y5f91qw2JS
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) June 8, 2023
This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
