San Diego Police Chief on Officer Shot Dead, Another Wounded: 'I Am Heartbroken'

SAN DIEGO, CA — The community and the nation were mourning with San Diego Friday over the loss of a San Diego police officer in a shooting late Thursday that left another officer wounded.

The deceased officer was identified as 43-year-old Jonathan "J.D." DeGuzman, a 16-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman told reporters during a mid-morning briefing Friday. The wounded officer was identified as Wade Irwin, 32, a 9-year veteran of the department, who is in serious condition but expected to survive following emergency surgery.

A suspect, Jesse Michael Gomez, 52, was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in the shooting but remained hospitalized in critical condition Friday with a gunshot wound. A second person of interest, Marcus Antonio Cassani, 41, was arrested after a SWAT standoff Friday. Zimmerman said Cassani was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

"At this time,we have not determined if Cassani is involved in the murder of DeGuzman and attempted murder of Irwin," Zimmerman said.

At about 11 p.m. Thursday, the two gang suppression officers radioed that they were making a stop in the 3700 block of Acacia Grove Way in the Southcrest area.

"It was almost immediately, so shortly after, they put out that they were making a stop that they put out that they needed emergency cover," Zimmerman told reporters.

It is not known whether it was a vehicle or pedestrian stop, she said.

"We do not have any information that a suspect vehicle was involved," Zimmerman said. "However, our investigation will determine with certainty the nature and circumstances surrounding the stop."

She said officers who were in the area responded to find both officers with gunshot wounds to their torso. DeGuzman was taken in a patrol vehicle to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

• San Diego Officer Killed in Shooting; Second Expected to Survive [UPDATE]

"Despite heroic efforts by the officers who arrived on scene and heroic efforts by the doctors to save his life, I am heartbroken to report that they were unable to save his life and he is deceased," Zimmerman said.

DeGuzman is survived by his wife and two children, she said.

"He was a loving, caring husband and father," Zimmerman said. "I personally worked with him when I was a lieutenant at the Mid-City Division. I knew him. This is gut-wrenching. He cared ... he came to work every day just to make a positive difference ... and last night when he lost his life he was trying to make a positive difference, trying to protect our community."

Irwin, a father of a young child, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. His wife has remained by his side, and he is expected to survive, Zimmerman said.

Mid-day Friday, Zimmerman said Irwin was not yet awake and therefore they were unable to speak with him regarding the circumstances of the shooting. But Friday afternoon, she said he woke up as she visited with him.

Both officers were with the gang suppression unit, "who put their lives on the line every day to make sure our citizens are safe," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said she and other police personnel went to DeGuzman's home early Friday to inform his wife, two kids and other family members who were gathered at the home.

"It was extremely difficult (to tell his family); there is nothing that compares," Zimmerman said.

Gomez was taken into custody shortly after the shooting when officers found him in a ravine near the 1300 block of S. 38th Street, close to where the shooting took place.

Support for the department has poured in from local neighboring departments and elected officials.

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis issued this statement:

"The shooting of two SDPD officers has sent a shock wave through law enforcement and the wider San Diego community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers’ family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. This senseless act once again highlights the dangers our peace officers face on a daily basis as they work to ensure and protect the public’s safety. The District Attorney’s Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit is working closely with SDPD to investigate and review this case so those responsible for this cowardly act will be held accountable."

Here is a statement from U.S. Rep Scott Peters, a San Diego Democrat:

"The loss of one of our police officers is a loss for all of San Diego. I send my deepest condolences to the officer's family and loved ones, and prayers for the full recovery of the wounded officer. From my time on City Council I have been aware of the dangers our police officers face and I'm tremendously grateful to them for the risks they take every day to keep our communities safe. San Diego is fortunate to have the steady leadership of Chief Zimmerman in this difficult time."

According to Zimmerman, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer was out of town with his family but has been notified of the tragedy. She said she has spoken with him numerous times on the phone and that he was on his way home to San Diego.

She thanked the "numerous" agencies who have offered their support, as well as the community for its support. She commended police and civilian personnel for the professionalism and courage throughout the long night and whom continue to do so "while we seek to find answers to this senseless murder and attempted murder of our police officers."

"We are asking for your patience, thoughts, prayers and support," Zimmerman said. "I can't begin to put in words the emotions, the feelings that surround an event like this. It is one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching situations for police officers to go through.

"Our deepest condolences go out to J.D.'s family and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days that lie ahead."

In the wake of the shooting, California Attorney General Kamala Harris issued this statement:

"My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Officer Jonathan 'J.D.' DeGuzman, who lost his life in the line of duty last night. Officer DeGuzman served his community with bravery and heroism, making the ultimate sacrifice. His service will never be forgotten by the people of California. As we remember Officer DeGuzman, we also hold the men and women of the entire San Diego Police Department in our thoughts and prayers, especially Officer Wade Irwin, who was gravely injured last night."

Patch will continue to update this story throughout the day. Please check back as more information is gathered.