Update – SDPD OIS – 800 Block of 26th Street, San Diego
April 18, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that they are investigating an officer involved 
shooting that occurred in the afternoon of April 14, 2025, in the 800 block of 26th Street, in the city of San Diego.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., a witness notified San Diego Police Dispatch that he observed a suspect with a partially concealed rifle in his jacket near the area of Sanger Place and Blanche Street, in the city of San Diego. The suspect was identified as a Hispanic male adult in his thirties or forties. The suspect placed the rifle into a white Ford F-150 truck and retrieved a handgun. The suspect got into a verbal argument with an unknown bicyclist. The bicyclist left the area and the suspect fired one round from the handgun into the ground, in the direction of the bicyclist.
Due to the nature of the call, SWAT Primary Response Team officers, K-9, and less lethal resources were requested to assist with the incident.
San Diego Police Officers arrived and contacted a male matching the suspect's description. The male entered a white F-150 truck and a pursuit ensued. The suspect drove northbound on the Interstate 5 freeway, transitioned to the Interstate 15 freeway, and onto surface streets. The vehicle pursuit lasted just over 30 minutes.
The suspect vehicle turned into a cul-de-sac on the 800 block of 26th Street in the city of San Diego. The suspect attempted to flee, and a collision occurred with a SDPD K-9 patrol vehicle, causing minor injuries to the officer driving. The suspect then drove forward and struck a pergola on the front yard of a residence, where the Ford F-150 came to a stop. A patrol officer placed his patrol SUV behind the suspect's vehicle and the suspect revved up the truck's engine. Two San Diego Police Officers shot multiple rounds at the suspect, striking him.
Officers removed the subject from the vehicle and began lifesaving measures. Paramedics arrived and assisted in providing aid but unfortunately, the subject succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was identified as 37-year-old, Enrique Cortez Jr., a resident of the city of San Diego.
One San Diego Police Officer suffered minor injuries from the deployment of the patrol unit's airbag. The officer was transported to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The officers who discharged their weapons have been identified as Acting Sergeant Bryan Shields and Sergeant Richard Curtis.
Acting Sergeant Shields has been with the San Diego Police Department for nine years and is currently assigned to patrol at the Southeastern Division and is a member of the SWAT team. Sergeant Curtis has been with the San Diego Police Department for 13 years and is currently assigned to patrol at the Southeastern Division and is a member of the SWAT team.
Inside the Ford F-150 Sheriff's Homicide Detectives recovered a rifle and a handgun.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved-shooting investigation. At this stage of the investigation, the motivation and circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions. The San Diego Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officers' discharge of their firearms.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
