January 23, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the Homicide Unit is investigating an officer‑involved shooting that occurred on the afternoon of January 22, 2026, in the 8800 block of Jamacha Road, in Spring Valley.

At about 12:40 p.m. on Thursday the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) received a call regarding a stolen vehicle near Euclid Avenue and Imperial Avenue, in the city of San Diego

A short time later, an officer saw the vehicle on Imperial Avenue and attempted to pull it over. The driver did not stop, and a pursuit ensued.

SDPD deployed spike strips in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle drove over the spike strips and continued east on Imperial Avenue through surface streets. The suspect ultimately crashed into a light pole near Jamacha Road and Gillespie Drive and exited the vehicle.

Officers observed an item that appeared to be a firearm near the suspect. After failing to comply with officers’ commands, the suspect appeared to reach toward the item.

One officer fired their service weapon at the suspect striking the suspect. Officers administered emergency medical aid, and the suspect was taken to a local hospital.  The suspect is being treated for serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries.

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 officer bears any criminal liability for their actions. The San Diego Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer's discharge of their firearm. 

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.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office