Morning shootout triggered by potential road rage incident leads to double fatality.
SAN DIEGO – The peaceful morning calm was shattered Wednesday when a “violent shooting” erupted, claiming the life of a dedicated K-9 officer and a male suspect. The San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA) reported the tragic incident, praising the slain K-9, “Sir”, for saving lives of both officers and civilians during the encounter.
The chaos unfolded around San Diego Mesa College in Clairemont, according to FOX 5, as officials received a frantic radio call reporting a gun-related incident. “There was a radio call involving something reporting a gun, some sort of shooting,” Lieutenant Adam Sharki of the San Diego Police Department detailed, further adding, “Officers responded to that. In the course of their investigation, there was contact with a suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
Reporters arrived at the scene on Mesa College Circle and Armstrong Road Wednesday morning to find the area cordoned off as the investigation began in earnest. Streets were closed and a white Tesla, identified as the suspect’s vehicle, remained in the crime scene.
According to SDPD, the events leading to the tragic shooting originated from a potential road rage incident. Officers attempted to stop the male suspect who was driving the Tesla. When he refused to comply, he abandoned his car and was subsequently seen fleeing on foot near Mesa College Circle, weapon in hand.
Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit recounted the tense standoff. “The suspect still had a handgun. They gave the suspect commands to drop the handgun. The suspect did not comply. A canine handler released his partner to try to stop the suspect. The suspect produced his gun — fired one shot — which prompted one San Diego Police officer to discharge his weapon,” he explained.
This fatal exchange resulted in K-9 officer Sir being shot by the suspect, as confirmed by officials. Despite immediate transfer to a veterinary hospital, Sir could not be saved. In a reciprocal action, another officer returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
No other officers or civilians were injured in the volatile incident.
The nearby college, currently conducting summer classes, remains operational, with no announced disruptions due to the incident.
In a poignant statement, SDPD acknowledged the loss: “This marks the second loss of a police canine in the line of duty — a somber reminder of the risks faced by all our officers, both two and four-legged. We are genuinely touched by the outpouring of support and condolences we’ve received. Together, we will remember K-9 Sir, celebrate his life, and honor his heroic service.”
