The patrol vehicle was hit when a metal shrapnel from explosive ordnance fired over the freeway detonated overhead prematurely, according to CHP.
CAMP PENDLETON NORTH, Calif. — A California Highway Patrol vehicle was damaged by debris on Saturday, following a U.S. military demonstration involving live ammunition that was discharged over the Interstate 5 freeway near Camp Pendleton.
The patrol vehicle was hit when a metal shrapnel from explosive ordnance fired over the freeway detonated overhead prematurely, according to a press release from CHP. The incident happened in the area where CHP officers were assisting with a traffic break along I-5 near Camp Pendleton as the U.S. Marine Corps conducted a live-fire training demonstration over the freeway.
No injuries were reported, according to authorities, and CHP officials immediately notified the Marine Corps at the scene, who then canceled firing additional live ordnance over the freeway. The area was swept for additional evaluation.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado said. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”
To strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways, CHP said it filed an internal report on the incident, with a recommendation to conduct an additional after-action review into the planning, communication and coordination between federal, state and local government around Saturday’s event.
“We are aware of the report of a possible airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery round outside the designated impact area during the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton, CA, Oct. 18,” A Marine Corps spokesperson said in a statement to CBS 8. “The demonstration went through a rigorous safety evaluation, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. Following established safety protocols, firing was suspended. No injuries occurred and the demonstration concluded as scheduled. An investigation has been initiated. We are committed to determining the incident’s root cause and applying findings to future missions.”
Dubbed “From Sea to Shore: A Review of Amphibious Strength,” the event on Saturday celebrated 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps, where Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were in attendance.
The demonstration of live ordnance fired over the freeway stirred criticism and backlash from officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Rep. Mike Levin and others.
“…The 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps is an extraordinary milestone — a moment to celebrate two and a half centuries of valor, excellence, and devotion to country,” Levin said in a statement on Saturday. “It should unite us in pride and gratitude. Unfortunately, reports confirming that artillery will be fired over Interstate 5 — requiring full freeway and rail closures — have caused understandable frustration throughout the surrounding community. These actions pose unnecessary safety risks and significant disruptions for residents, businesses, and first responders.”
We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects.https://t.co/vQ3epSTvyh
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) October 19, 2025
Meanwhile, officials, including San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Congressman Darrel Issa, blamed Newsom for the closure of the freeway.
“The Marines at Camp Pendleton have been firing live rounds and training beneath I-5 for over 50 years — without closing the freeway,” Desmond said in a post on X on Saturday. “There is zero reason for this sudden shutdown. This isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s going to cause medical emergencies to be delayed, workers to miss shifts, and families to have their plans and events ruined.”
The I-5 freeway will be shut down between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today after a sudden CHP announcement.
The Marines at Camp Pendleton have been firing live rounds and training beneath I-5 for over 50 years — without closing the freeway. There is zero reason for this sudden shutdown.…
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) October 18, 2025
According to Newsom’s office, the I-5 supports over 80,000 travelers and moves $94 million in freight every day between San Diego and Orange counties. His office backed the decision to close a portion of the freeway, citing safety concerns.
“Due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden unexpected and loud explosions, a section of I-5 will be closed for a period on Saturday. This decision comes at the recommendation of traffic safety experts at the California Highway Patrol.”
The closure, which lasted several hours, impacted commuters and drivers using the I-5 freeway. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner also temporarily stopped service south of San Juan Capistrano from 12-3 p.m.