SAN MARCOS — What began as a traffic stop ended with a man allegedly being shot and killed near Twin Oaks Valley Road and Borden Road.
A single deputy stopped a car for a vehicle code violation and routinely ran the vehicle identification number and license plate on Feb. 18, according to a press release from the City of San Diego Police Department.
“During the traffic stop, the deputy conducted a record check of the vehicle’s license plate and VIN, which appeared inconsistent with DMV registration records. The deputy also observed damage to the steering column, suggesting the vehicle might be stolen,” the release said. “The deputy then requested additional deputies to assist him with the investigation.”
In response, multiple San Diego County Sheriff’s Department deputies and one Palomar College Police Department (PCPD) officer responded, according to the press release.
When officers approached the red Hyundai Sonata, the 33-year-old man passenger allegedly rolled up his window, disregarding all directions from the deputies and officers, according to the City of San Diego Police Department’s news release.
“The passenger then reached toward the floorboard and armed himself with a semiautomatic handgun. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the passenger did not comply,” the release said.
Deputies removed the 21-year-old woman driver from the vehicle and escorted her to safety before the passenger raised the firearm, according to the release.
“Don’t do it, don’t do it, man,” one officer said, as heard in a video posted by bystander Daniel Durst on his Instagram.
When the passenger allegedly raised a semiautomatic weapon, the five deputies and a single PCPD officer opened fire, striking the vehicle with multiple rounds, the City of San Diego Police Department said in its news release.
According to the press release, the passenger was shot and killed despite life-saving measures.
Following the shooting, one deputy directed his fellow officers. In the video posted on Instagram, his voice is heard saying, “Gather ourselves, gather ourselves, slow things down, let’s back up.”
Following protocol, the shooting is being investigated by the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit. It is also being monitored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s office, the City of San Diego Police Department’s news release said.
When Telescope staff contacted Palomar’s Public Information Officer Julie Lanthier Brandy regarding the PCPD officer’s involvement, she wrote in an email that the investigation is ongoing and she is unable to provide additional information.
Palomar’s Interim President Tina Recalde sent of an email to all employees Feb. 23 acknowledging the incident.
“We are aware that this incident may heighten emotions and cause concern. We encourage you and our students to take advantage of available support services,” Recalde said in the email.
If students are in need of support, they can contact Behavioral Health Counseling Services at [email protected] or via phone at 760-891-7531.
If any person has information pertaining to this incident, they are asked to contact SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
March. 9 2025 @ 8:28 p.m. — a correction has been made to this story, this is the most current version.