Carlsbad – On Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 12:44 a.m., Carlsbad Police contacted a white truck parked in a dirt lot near the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road. One adult and four teenagers were inside the truck. There were alcoholic beverages inside the truck.
Officers began directing the occupants of the truck out of the vehicle. A 16-year-old Hispanic male juvenile was sitting in the front passenger seat. He exited the vehicle before being asked and began reaching under the passenger seat. Officers immediately ordered him to stop reaching under the seat. The juvenile pulled a firearm from under the seat and turned in the direction of one of the officers. At that point, one officer fired one time from his service weapon striking the juvenile. The juvenile ran west towards the ocean and either jumped or fell down the side of the cliff. Officers were able to reach him and take him into custody. Officers immediately began rendering medical aid including the use of a tourniquet. The juvenile was transported for treatment at a local hospital. He was struck in the right arm and is expected to survive his injuries.
A firearm was located in the general area where the juvenile was apprehended down the cliffside. Detectives are in the process of recovering that firearm and processing the scene.
The Carlsbad Police Officer who fired his weapon has been employed by Carlsbad Police Department since May 2023. He is currently assigned to patrol.
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 gathering evidence, 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. Carlsbad Police 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.
