SAN DIEGO, CA – A man was fatally shot by a San Diego police sniper in Scripps Ranch on Tuesday afternoon after threatening several people with a firearm. The incident unfolded on Angelique Street around 12:45 p.m., creating a tense situation for residents in the typically quiet neighborhood.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the man, who has yet to be identified, was seen on a driveway waving a gun and shouting at passersby. Concerned residents quickly alerted authorities, leading to the arrival of police officers who assessed the severity of the situation.
Given the potential threat, the police called in a sniper team. The sniper, positioned across the street from the man’s residence, utilized nearby construction equipment as cover. When the man moved towards the street, the sniper fired, resulting in his death at the scene.
Aerial footage captured by a news helicopter showed the man holding a gun and wearing headphones. The incident reportedly began when a pest control worker arrived at the man’s residence, seemingly startling him and prompting him to brandish the weapon.
Neighbors described the resident as a man with special needs. The pest control worker, alarmed by the situation, retreated to their vehicle and contacted law enforcement. The subsequent police response escalated into a full-scale operation, involving multiple law enforcement units.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has taken over the investigation, with homicide detectives currently gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities have yet to release the man’s identity or provide further details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Residents expressed shock and fear as the events unfolded, with many witnessing the overwhelming police presence firsthand. “I’ve never seen anything like this outside of television,” one neighbor remarked, highlighting the unusual nature of the incident for the community.
The sheriff’s department is expected to provide an update soon, as they continue to piece together the series of events that led to this tragic outcome. No other injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
The community remains on edge as they await further information from authorities, hoping to understand what led to the fatal encounter.