San Diego police have located a suspect who ran off after he was fired upon by an officer on Tuesday in a riverbed near Pacific Highway in the Morena neighborhood. Officials said he is not in custody and is believed to be armed.
At least two roads and freeway off-ramps in the area of the search have been shut down while police work to arrest the man.
The shooting occurred about 9:50 a.m. as the officer was trying to make contact with the suspect near the San Diego River, police Sgt. Saum Poorsaleh said. He said officers do not believe the suspect was struck by gunfire.
As of 12:20 p.m., police had located the man in the riverbed. He was being monitored by a police helicopter and a drone, but was not in custody, said police Officer Sarah Foster.
The man is believed to be armed, San Diego police said on the social media platform X. Police described the suspect as a Black man in his 40s with a beard and “locs,” and around 6 feet, 1 inch tall. He was last seen wearing dark pants and a brown hoodie. Police asked that anyone who spots him call 911.
Law enforcement officers engage in a stand off with a suspect in the San Diego River bed. (Luke Johnson / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Foster said the man was known to officers who patrol the area and was wanted on a suspected parole violation.
She also said he previously tried to stab a police dog and had fought with officers.
Police asked that people stay clear of the area. “We have multiple officers, air support, and SWAT working the area and caution is advised,” police officials said on X.
Authorities have closed both sides of Pacific Highway under the Interstate 5 and I-8 interchanges, as well as the I-5 southbound off-ramp to I-8 and the Rosecrans Street exit.
In addition, Friars Road is closed from Napa Street to Sea World Drive.