Carlsbad – On Friday, October 20, 2023, at approximately 10:54 p.m., a Carlsbad Police Officer stopped a white Ford Van at Madison Street and Oak Avenue in the City of Carlsbad after seeing the driver commit multiple traffic violations in the area. The vehicle was driven by a single male occupant. As the officer approached the vehicle to contact the male, the driver produced a handgun and fired at least one round at the officer without warning. The officer immediately sought cover from the gunfire and returned fire with his service weapon. The suspect drove about 1/8 block south before stopping, either voluntarily or due to mechanical failure. The officer called for additional units and a high-risk vehicle stop was conducted once additional officers arrived, including a K9 officer and a field supervisor. The suspect was given commands and complied with the officer’s directions. The suspect was apprehended several minutes later without further incident.
Neither the suspect nor the officer was struck by gunfire. However, several rounds struck the suspect’s van. During a visual inspection of the van at the scene, a ghost-gun type handgun was seen on the driver’s side floorboard. Detectives from the San Diego Police Department are currently processing the scene and van to locate and recover evidence, including the firearm used in the assault on the Carlsbad Police Officer.
The Carlsbad Police Officer who fired his weapon has been employed by Carlsbad Police Department since August of 2022. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer. The suspect in this case has been identified as Patrick Harold Doherty of Oceanside. He is described as a 25-year-old white male. Doherty was booked into Vista Jail for Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Felony Resisting, Assault with a Firearm on a Police Officer and an outstanding arrest warrant for DUI. Additional charges will be determined by the District Attorney’s office once Detectives have completed their preliminary investigation at the scene.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved-shooting investigation. Detectives are currently collecting physical evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings 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 Carlsbad Police Department 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 San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
