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
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.