Harbor Police Officer-Involved Shooting in the Marina District
Contact: Brianne Mundy Page, 619.348.1518, bpage@portofsandiego.org
(PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT ON MARCH 2, 2021.)
MEDIA CONTACT: Lieutenant Andra Brown at (619) 531-2275 or aebrown@pd.sandiego.gov
San Diego – On March 1, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., a Port of San Diego Harbor Police officer saw a black sedan commit a traffic violation at 1st Avenue and Harbor Drive. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver near 5th Avenue and Harbor Drive. The officer believed the driver was possibly impaired and asked him to exit his vehicle for further evaluation. As the driver exited his car, he produced a handgun and immediately opened fire on the officer, forcing the officer to return fire with his service weapon. Several responding units arrived on scene and the male was taken into custody without further incident. Neither the officer nor the male was injured, however a pedestrian in the area later reported being struck in the buttocks by a stray bullet. An object in the male’s pocket prevented the bullet from actually breaking his skin, however, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation where he was treated and released.
The San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation. Detectives have recovered a firearm at the scene.
The identity of the man is not being released at this time. He is a 29-year-old Hispanic male.
The name of the officer involved in this incident is not being released at this time, but he has been a member of the Port of San Diego Harbor Police for over 3 years.
The investigation and review process for an officer-involved shooting are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for his actions. The Port of San Diego Harbor Police will be assisting in the investigation and will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
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ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO PUBLIC SAFETY
Port of San Diego Public Safety protects and oversees the safety of our dynamic San Diego Bay waterfront—land and sea.
Port Public Safety is responsible for safeguarding waterfront parks and land, maintaining homeland security and collaborating with agency partners to deter crime locally and abroad. Through the Harbor Police Department, the Port provides for the safety of our communities and resources along San Diego Bay and at San Diego International Airport, and is seen as a global leader in maritime and aviation public safety.