Police Officer Shoots, Kills Axe-Wielding Man Near San Diego Trolley Platform

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man armed with an axe was shot and killed by a San Diego police officer after allegedly approaching the officer following a trolley vandalism report, police said Thursday.

San Diego Police Department officers were dispatched at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday regarding an adult male using an axe to vandalize a trolley to the Morena/Linda Vista Trolley platform, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Officers, along with the San Diego Air Support Unit, arrived within minutes and began searching the area for the suspect.

At about 3:35 p.m., an officer located a man matching the reported description in the 4700 block of Friars Road. Authorities stated that the man approached the officer while armed with an axe, leading to an officer-involved shooting in which one officer fired multiple rounds, striking the suspect.

Officers immediately requested paramedics and began rendering lifesaving aid. The San Diego Fire Department arrived and continued medical efforts. Despite these attempts, the man was pronounced dead at approximately 4:10 p.m.

No SDPD officers were injured during the incident, the SDSO reported.

The motivation and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation as detectives collect evidence and interview witnesses. The case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to determine whether the involved officer bears criminal liability. The SDPD will also conduct an administrative review of the officer's discharge of the firearm.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to contact the sheriff's homicide Unit at 858-285-6330. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

— City News Service