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 suspectโs 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 officerโs 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
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii โ A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honoluluโs Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second womanโs injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusmanโs family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.