Police Incident Review Video (03/29/24)

This critical incident debrief video is intended to provide an overview of the circumstances related to an officer-involved shooting on March 29, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m.
Background
On Friday, March 29, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Carlsbad Police Officer was driving west in a marked patrol car in the 1000 block of Carlsbad Village Drive underneath the I-5 freeway when a rock struck the spotlight and front windshield of his patrol car. The impact from the rock strike destroyed the spotlight and damaged the windshield. The officer called for a supervisor and pulled into a nearby parking lot to inspect the damage. As the officer and supervisor were inspecting the damage to his patrol car, a suspect ran up behind the officer and without warning or provocation, assaulted the officer by striking him in the head with a skateboard. The officer who was struck in the head took out his service weapon, and as he sought cover from a nearby business, discharged his firearm three times at the suspect as he ran west through the parking lot. Simultaneously, the sergeant chased the suspect on foot west on Carlsbad Village Drive. Additional officers arrived in the area and after approximately three blocks, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The officer was not engaged in enforcement activities when his car was struck by a rock or when the suspect assaulted the officer.
This video contains audio and video footage from the incident to provide the public with a better understanding of what occurred based on the information available to investigators thus far. Viewer discretion is advised.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding the San Diego Police Department was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation, which is currently underway. When the San Diego Police Department completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Carlsbad Police is conducting an administrative investigation into the incident, in accordance with department policy.
For further information contact: Carlsbad Police Department Lieutenant Shaun Lawton at 442-339-2288 or [e-mail]