Police investigate deadly shooting near Little Italy; officer shot
Nov 13, 2024
Editor's note: This story has been updated to note a nearby elementary school was put on a brief lockdown.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Two people were shot near Little Italy Wednesday morning, the San Diego Police Department confirmed. A short time later, a police officer was also shot in what's believed to be a connected event.
"This morning at this scene we’re filled with a lot of emotion -- empathy," said SDPD Chief Scott Wahl. "We have two people that are deceased. We have one police officer that has been shot. But also with gratitude because this could have been much worse.”
According to authorities, a call came in around 8:22 a.m. reporting gunfire in the 1300 block of Union Street near W A Street. Responding officers located two victims, both of which died from apparent gunshot wounds.
At that point, Harbor Police officers assisted SDPD in a search for a suspect. A person of interest was located on Juniper Street at Kettner Boulevard about 45 minutes later. A shooting ensued and a Harbor Police officer was struck in the hip. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
In an update provided Wednesday afternoon, Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez said the injured officer is now recovering after undergoing surgery. He's been with the department for three months and has been in field training.
During the exchange of gunfire, officers shot the suspect who was also transported to a local hospital. The suspect's current status is also unknown.
An active homicide investigation is underway. Police are working to determine the motive for the initial shooting and what circumstances led up to it.
"I do want to put out to the public that we believe there is no further threat to the community," Chief Wahl continued.
A nearby elementary school was on a brief lockdown due to the shooting but that has since been lifted.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.