Investigators on Thursday called the death of a University of San Diego student who was struck by a police vehicle near the Linda Vista campus an apparent suicide.
“While the circumstances surrounding the collision were initially unclear, the investigation has since determined that the pedestrian intentionally stepped into the path of the police vehicle,” San Diego police Lt. Cesar Jimenez said in a news release. “Based on the evidence collected and witness statements obtained during the investigation, the death is believed to be a suicide.”
Officials also released the name of the young man Thursday. He was Justin Cann, 21, of Aurora, Colorado, according to police and the county Medical Examiner’s Office.
The marked police cruiser hit Cann in the 5800 block of Linda Vista Road at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The officer pulled over and administered first aid to Cann before paramedics arrived. Doctors later pronounced the man dead at a local hospital.
USD officials have said they are cooperating with the investigation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available. Call or text 988 for support.
Updated 4:20 p.m. June 18, 2026.
