A man allegedly shot and killed himself in Ocean Beach early Monday as police were trying to take him into custody.
The incident took place at 3 a.m. Monday near the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The man was reportedly sitting inside a parked car in the 5000 block of Newport Ave. when police contacted him.
It was not immediately clear what initially prompted the officers to contact the man, whose name was withheld pending family notification.
“During the detention, the male became combative,” a release from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office investigates in-custody deaths involving the San Diego Police Department under terms of a regional agreement designed to prevent conflicts of interest.
“As officers attempted to handcuff him, he produced a handgun and shot himself one time,” the statement continued. “Officers immediately rendered medical aid and requested paramedics.
“Unfortunately, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
No officers discharged their weapons, the statement said, adding that both officers received minor injuries. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
The sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330, or after hours at (858) 868-3200. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact San Diego Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
