A suspicious vehicle near the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont on Thursday afternoon uncovered a Nazi flag and a suspicious canister found in the vehicle, according to the San Diego Police Department.
A person was detained for questioning following the investigation that evacuated nearby shopping centers around 11:40 a.m. near Derrick Drive and Genesee Avenue. NBC San Diego has several crews at the scene, where police said they are still investigating what is inside the canister.
San Diego police officers who were already at the Islamic Center at the time noticed the vehicle around 11:40 a.m. Officers shared information about the vehicle to dispatchers, who then located the vehicle near the 4300 block of Derrick Drive.
Officers stopped the vehicle and detained the driver, which is when officers saw the Nazi flag and suspicious canister within the vehicle. Officers then requested the Metro Arson Strike Team to respond and evaluate the suspicious item.
The Joint Terrorism Task Force was immediately alerted and is working with SDPD, the department said.
There is no active threat to the Islamic Center and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.
First responders at the scene of a suspicious device investigation in Clairemont on June 18, 2026. (Jacob)
🚨 Traffic & Public Safety Advisory 🚨
The San Diego Police Department is currently investigating a suspicious device located in the area of Genesee Avenue and Derrick Drive in Clairemont.
We are asking the public to avoid the area while officers and investigators work to…
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) June 18, 2026
Nearby shopping centers were evacuated during the investigation. A Home Depot, a Target and a DMV location were all in the area, along with several other businesses.
Residents in the area were asked to shelter in place.
Photos sent from a viewer show San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Bomb Squad outside Best Pizza & Brew and police tape blocking off several roadways in the area.
Exactly one month prior, two teenage gunmen opened fire at the mosque, killing three men and before killing themselves.
This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released.