An investigation is underway after Chula Vista Police Officers shot a homeless man suspected of holding another man at knife-point on Saturday, according to the San Diego Police Department.
The Chula Vista Police Department received multiple radio calls from the 600 block of Moss Street at approximately 7:45 p.m. of two homeless people possibly setting up camp in an apartment stairwell. According to the callers, the men were banging on doors and perhaps using drugs or dealing with mental illness.
A 34-year-old white homeless male was located in an apartment stairwell by responding officers, but as they made contact with him, he moved a blanket from in front of him and revealed he was holding another man hostage with a knife to his throat. According to San Diego Police Lt. Jud Campbell, officers began giving the suspect commands and requested additional officers and resources.
One responding officer was a member of Chula Vista Police’s Crisis Negotiation Team, according to Lt. Campbell. He began negotiating with the suspect, but the suspect continued yelling at the officers, threatening to kill the hostage and refusing to cooperate.
A Chula Vista Police Canine Officer, who is also a member of the SWAT team, responded to the call. As the suspect refused cooperation and threatened to kill the hostage, the canine officer and a team of other officers climbed through a balcony to enter an apartment positioned to the side of the suspect.
The canine officer unlocked and cracked the apartment door open and at that point, the officer fired his department-issued rifle at the suspect, striking the suspect in the head. The hostage was transported to a local hospital for injuries to his neck.
According to authorities, his injuries are non-life threatening. The hostage did not know the suspect until he was threatened and forced to come to the apartment complex.
The suspect is described as a light-skinned male, approximately six feet tall, 230 lbs with short brown hair, a beard, and tattoos on his chest and arms. Authorities say he is not expected to survive his injuries.
According to Lt. Campbell, the canine officer has been employed by the Chula Vista Police Department for approximately five years. Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477
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