Correction: An earlier version of the headline on this story said the shooting took place inside the library. While the report of a threat originated from inside the library, the shooting occurred outside.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Friday is investigating a shooting of an armed suspect by a San Diego police officer during a confrontation in San Diego.
A witness notified San Diego police dispatch at 4:20 p.m. Thursday about a man who was allegedly causing a disturbance and waving an axe inside the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, according to the sheriff’s department. Deputies said the suspect vandalized property inside the library and waved the weapon at people before leaving the library.
San Diego police arrived and encountered a man matching the suspect’s description holding a weapon resembling an axe on the 4300 block of Dawes Street. Several officers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but he failed to comply and an officer shot the suspect multiple times, authorities said.
Officers provided immediate medical aid to the suspect and called for paramedics, who took him to a hospital, where he is expected to survive, police said.
At the scene of the shooting, sheriff’s homicide detectives recovered a weapon resembling an axe.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the investigation of the officer-involved shooting.
When the homicide unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions, authorities said. The police department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officers’ discharge of their firearms.
Anyone with information about this shooting was asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330/after hours at 858-868-3200. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 888 -580-8477.
– City News Service
