It was approximately 1:35 am on the morning of Tuesday, December 13, 2022, when an Oceanside Police Officer monitoring traffic at the 1200 block of Vista Way was struck by a suspected DUI driver. Based on witness statements and physical evidence, the preliminary investigation indicates Suspect Jonathan Shipp Sr., a 35-year-old resident of Escondido driving a white Kia Optima, exited State Route 78, traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. The Kia lost control as it entered Vista Way, drove up onto a raised center island, and collided with a parked patrol vehicle with one officer occupant. The force from the impact was so intense that it caused
airbags in both cars to deploy and pushed the patrol vehicle over forty feet from its parked location. Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage and were disabled. The officer immediately exited his vehicle and rushed to aid the suspect. The crash caused such extensive damage that smoke and fire began to emit from the engine compartment. A nearby resident also came to help the officer rescue the suspect from his vehicle, prying the door open with a crowbar. Alcohol bottles were seen in the car, and the suspect showed signs of
intoxication. Shortly after that, the officer and suspect were transported to local hospitals to evaluate and treat non-life-threatening injuries. Suspect Shipp Sr., on probation for previously driving under the influence, was arrested for suspicion of felony driving under the influence with injury.
The Oceanside Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team is actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information regarding this collision, please contact Traffic Collision Investigator Kevin Lissner at (760) 435-4651 or email klissner@oceansideca.org.
