Crime
Harbor Police Officer Injured, 3 Dead in Series of shootings in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy district
The suspected gunman has died at the hospital.
A San Diego Harbor Police officer was injured in a shootout Wednesday morning during a confrontation with a suspect involved in a double homicide earlier in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy district.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl reported that at approximately 8:20 a.m., officers responded to a shooting incident in the 1300 block of Union Street, where a man and a woman were fatally shot, and the gunman fled the scene.
The suspect, believed to have known the victims, was described by witnesses as a man wearing a green shirt and blue jeans, and this information was broadcast to law enforcement across the city.
Roughly 45 minutes later, officers from the Harbor Police Department, aiding in the manhunt, identified someone matching the suspect’s description near the intersection of Juniper Street and Kettner Boulevard.
According to SDPD Captain Manny Del Toro, the suspect displayed “blatant and aggressive” behavior, wore tactical pants and boots, and was armed with a gun and knives.
As Harbor Police officers attempted to approach him, a gunfight broke out. During the exchange, a Harbor Police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hip, and the suspect was also struck by police gunfire.
Three officers reportedly engaged in the gunfight, but it remains unclear who fired first.
The injured officer was transported to UC San Diego Medical Center, and while the injury was not immediately detailed, Chief Wahl expressed optimism about the officer’s recovery, urging the public to keep the officer in their thoughts.
Both the officer and the suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment, where, at approximately 11:40 a.m., the suspect was pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the deceased as a male in his twenties but did not release his name. Chief Wahl commended the swift and courageous response of the Harbor Police officers, noting their bravery in preventing potential additional harm to bystanders in the popular Little Italy area, which was busy with pedestrians and businesses at the time.
SDPD homicide detectives are now investigating the initial double homicide on Union Street to determine a motive.
Several roads in the area have been closed to facilitate the investigation, and police are requesting that the public avoid the following areas for the next few hours:
- Kettner Boulevard between W. Ivy and Laurel Streets
- Union Street between W. Ash and W. A Streets
- Intersection of Union and W. Ash Streets
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.