TWO SAN DIEGO POLICE OFFICERS SHOT, 1 DIES

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1 suspect in custody; SWAT action continues this morning at site where 2nd suspect may be holed up

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2016 (San Diego)—A San Diego Police officer is dead and a second officer seriously wounded in a shooting that occurred during a traffic stop shortly before 11 p.m. last night in the 3800 block of Boston Avenue, SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman confirms. Both officers suffered multiple gunshot wounds in their upper bodies.

“It is with a very sad heart that we announce the death of one of our Officers tonight. Pray for his family,” SDPD announced on Twitter last night.  Chief Zimmerman later tweeted that the second officer underwent successful surgery at UC San Diego Medical Center and is expected to survive. Names of the officers have not yet been released; a press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. today.

One suspect was wounded in a gun battle and taken into custody last night, according to police  Residents in the area were told to shelter in place. The suspect was found in a ravine near the 1500 block of South 38th Street and taken to a hospital. 

This morning, Fox5 News reports police have surrounded a house in Shelltown, where a possible second suspect may be holed up.  A witness told Fox5 windows have been smashed and police are calling for an armed man inside to come out.

Zimmerman said she visited the home of the slain officer to notify his wife, two children and other family members, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.  “It is extremely difficult,” she said. “There’s nothing that prepares you to do that.”

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer released a statement which reads,”Last night we lost one of San Diego’s finest. We grieve for our fallen officer and stand with his family during this very difficult time.”

The Mayor concluded,”We also pray for the second officer shot last night as he recovers from surgery. Violence against the men and women who wear the badge is violence against us all. I ask all San Diegans and all people across our nation to join together in support of our officers who courageously protect our communities. We need them and they need us.”


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