SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities reported that a man died by suicide while in police custody in San Diego.
Officers approached the man at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday while he was inside a vehicle in the 5000 block of Newport Avenue, located in the Ocean Beach area. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, which handles in-custody death investigations involving the San Diego Police Department to avoid conflicts of interest, provided this information.
“During the encounter, the individual became aggressive,” stated sheriff’s Lt. Juan Marquez. “As officers tried to restrain him with handcuffs, he revealed a handgun and fired a shot at himself.”
Law enforcement personnel provided immediate aid and contacted paramedics; however, the man was declared dead at the scene, according to Marquez. His identity is being withheld until family members are notified.
The officers involved did not discharge their firearms during the incident but did suffer minor injuries while attempting to subdue the man. A handgun was secured at the location.
Investigators are actively looking into the case and interviewing witnesses.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or, if after hours, at 858-868-3200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
