A prolonged police operation near Mission Valley on Tuesday ended with a suspect taken into custody after an hours-long search that followed a shooting involving officers. The incident led to major traffic disruptions and highway closures as multiple law enforcement agencies worked to locate the suspect.
Authorities said no police officers were injured, and the case is now under investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 9:45 a.m. when officers from the San Diego Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Division were conducting an abatement detail in the Mission Valley area. According to police, officers believed they had identified a man who was wanted on a felony warrant.
When officers attempted to make contact, the suspect, described as a parolee at large, fled the area. His actions prompted a foot pursuit and later a large-scale search involving patrol officers, SWAT teams, helicopters, and K-9 units.
Encounter
SDPD Sergeant Saum Poorsaleh told FOX 5 and KUSI that officers initially encountered the suspect near Mission Valley. The man ran southbound toward the SeaWorld area and was briefly lost from view.
Officers later located him again near Pacific Highway. During the foot pursuit in that area, a shooting occurred involving police officers. Authorities have not released further details about the exchange as the investigation remains ongoing.
Search
Following the shooting, officers lost sight of the suspect once more. Additional resources were deployed, including air support and SWAT officers, to search the surrounding area.
A police helicopter eventually located the suspect hiding in a nearby riverbed. Officers attempted to communicate with him over several hours in an effort to resolve the situation without further force.
Arrest
Negotiations continued through the afternoon and into the evening. At approximately 7:30 p.m., officers deployed a police K-9, and the suspect was taken into custody without reported injuries.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect will be booked on a felony parole violation. Additional charges may be considered pending the outcome of the investigation.
Closures
The extended police activity led to several road closures that affected commuters throughout the day.
| Roadway | Status |
|---|---|
| Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-8 connector | Closed most of the day |
| Rosecrans Street | Closed |
| Morena Boulevard on-ramp to I-8 | Closed |
Traffic in and around Mission Valley experienced significant delays as officers secured the area.
Investigation
Because the incident involved an officer-involved shooting, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has assumed responsibility for the investigation. This process includes reviewing evidence, interviewing involved parties, and assessing the actions taken by officers.
Once the investigation is completed, the case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will determine whether any criminal liability applies.
Public Help
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Authorities emphasized that public safety guided the response throughout the day. The incident concluded without injuries to officers or the public, bringing the extended operation to a close Tuesday evening.
FAQs
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred near Mission Valley and Pacific Highway.
Were any officers injured?
No SDPD officers were reported injured.
Why was the suspect being sought?
He was wanted on a felony warrant and was a parolee at large.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.
How long did the police search last?
The search lasted nearly 10 hours.
