San Diego Officer Murdered, Another Seriously Injured In Shootout

Two officers in the San Diego Police gang unit were shot during a traffic stop last night, leaving one officer dead and the other fighting for his life:

A police officer was fatally shot and another seriously injured during a traffic stop in San Diego late Thursday, officials said.

Authorities said early Friday that one person was in custody, but told residents to stay indoors while they searched the area for other potential suspects.

SWAT vehicles, helicopters and patrol cars were involved in the extensive operation.

The shooting happened at around 11 p.m. local time (2 a.m. ET Friday) in the Southcrest neighborhood, San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman told reporters early Friday outside Scripps Mercy Hospital.

The officers — both assigned to the department’s gang unit — had just pulled over a car when, almost immediately after, they called for emergency cover, Zimmerman said.

“Other officers were in the area. They arrived shortly on scene and found both of our officers suffering from gunshot wounds,” she added.

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The suspect—a Hispanic male—was also shot during the incident and was taken into custody.

Both officers suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The wounded officer is expected to survive.

Shooting deaths of police officers are up 78% in the past year, with ambushes of officers more than doubling from six to 14.

Much of the anti-police violence, including the most deadly incidents, have been inspired by the radical anti-police domestic terrorist group, Black Lives Matter.

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