Police Officer Injured in Fatal Confrontation with Double Murder Suspect in Little Italy
In a shocking sequence of events, a San Diego Harbor Police officer was injured during a shootout early Wednesday morning while attempting to apprehend a suspect involved in a double homicide in Little Italy, a prominent downtown district known for its bustling shops and restaurants. This incident unfolded shortly after authorities were alerted to a deadly shooting near the heart of Little Italy, casting a somber shadow over the usually vibrant neighborhood.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl provided a detailed briefing on the events, which began around 8:20 a.m. when officers responded to an emergency call on the 1300 block of Union Street. They found a tragic scene: a man and a woman had been fatally shot. Witnesses described the shooter as a man wearing a green shirt and blue jeans, believed to have had a personal connection with the victims, leading authorities to suspect a targeted attack. Law enforcement promptly launched a citywide manhunt, disseminating the suspect's description to all units across San Diego, triggering a high-alert response.
Around 45 minutes after the initial call, Harbor Police officers participating in the manhunt spotted an individual matching the suspect’s description near Juniper Street and Kettner Boulevard, roughly half a mile from the original crime scene. According to Captain Manny Del Toro of the San Diego Police Department, the man exhibited what was described as “blatant and aggressive” behavior. At the time, he was seen wearing tactical attire—pants and boots—and was armed with multiple weapons, including a firearm and knives. His appearance and demeanor underscored the potential danger, heightening the risk of confrontation as officers closed in.
As Harbor Police officers attempted to approach, a shootout erupted. During this intense exchange, one of the officers sustained a gunshot wound to the hip. In return fire, police struck the suspect. The specifics of who fired first remain under investigation, but early reports indicate that three officers were actively involved in the gunfight. The injured officer was quickly transported to UC San Diego Medical Center, where medical staff are optimistic about his recovery. Chief Wahl expressed heartfelt gratitude for the officer’s courage and asked the public to keep him in their thoughts.
The suspect, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was also taken to the hospital. However, despite emergency medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:40 a.m. Authorities later confirmed that he was a male in his twenties but have not yet released his identity. SDPD Chief Wahl took the opportunity to commend the swift and resolute actions of the Harbor Police officers, acknowledging the risk they undertook to prevent further potential harm in Little Italy, a district bustling with pedestrian traffic and businesses even in the early hours of the day.
Following the tragic events, San Diego homicide detectives initiated an intensive investigation to uncover a possible motive behind the double homicide on Union Street. As part of this process, officials are interviewing witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses to piece together a clearer picture of what led to the initial killings. This investigation is expected to take some time, as police work to build a thorough and accurate account.
The aftermath of the shootings has led to temporary road closures in the vicinity as authorities secure the area and conduct their inquiries. Specifically, Kettner Boulevard between W. Ivy and Laurel Streets and Union Street between W. Ash and W. A Streets, including the intersection at Union and W. Ash Streets, remain closed. Police have advised the public to avoid these areas for the time being to aid in the smooth progression of the investigation.
This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable nature of police work, especially in situations involving armed suspects in public settings. The response of the San Diego Harbor Police, despite the risks to their safety, serves as a testament to the commitment and bravery of law enforcement personnel who face perilous situations to protect the community. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release additional information as it becomes available, while the public awaits more clarity on the motives behind this violent confrontation that has left a significant impact on San Diego’s community.
