Two San Diego Police Department officers were shot around 11 PM on July 28th. One officer has died from his injuries, and the other was just released from surgery and is expected to survive.
SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman gave a quick press briefing immediately following the incident, in which she revealed a few details which we’ve listed below. We’ll update this article as more details on the sad situation come out.
Update–11:43 AM: The San Diego SWAT now negotiating with second suspect, just one block away from the shooting.
RT @JohnGibbinsSDUT: House on Epsilon surrounded by @SanDiegoPD SWAT for suspect in shooting of 2 officers. 1 dead. pic.twitter.com/1xIXllVMtb
— My Town Los Angeles (@MyTownLA) July 29, 2016
What Happened?
The situation is still developing, but we know that around 11 PM two officers who were part of SDPD’s Elite Gang Unit were shot. SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman said that the officers were conducting a routine traffic stop in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood, called it in to dispatch, and then almost immediately called for emergency cover. Officers in the area came as quickly as possible and found both officers down.
One of the downed officers, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the upper torso, was placed into a patrol car and driven to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. Sadly, that officer didn’t make it. The other officer was taken by medics to a local hospital and is expected to survive. He was released from surgery at 4 AM PST.
.@ChiefZimmerman just left the hospital where our second Officer has just come out of surgery. He is expected to survive!!
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) July 29, 2016
Once there was word on the radio that there were officers down, police response to the 3800 block of Boston Avenue was swift. A shelter-in-place was issued for the surrounding areas, and helicopters, patrol cars and SWAT vans were used to comb the entire neighborhood. “I couldn’t even tell you how many cop cars were racing down the freeway,” NBC 7 reporter Raul Meza wrote on NBC San Diego’s Facebook page. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
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Who Was Involved?
Although there’s not much information known about the situation at this moment, the SDPD did announce on their Twitter that one suspect was in custody. They found him in the immediate vicinity hiding in a ravine-type area. Other possible suspects are still being sought.
The names of the two officers haven’t been released yet, pending notification of family.
Our thoughts are with the families of these SDPD officers, the San Diego Police Department, and all law enforcement officials at this time.
**This story is developing. Refresh for updates.**
