San Diego, CA – A woman was wounded Friday afternoon after officers from the Escondido Police Department (EPD) opened fire on a black SUV following a chase that began in Escondido and ended with a crash on Interstate 15 south near the Miramar area.
The pursuit started around 4 p.m. and lasted nearly an hour before the fleeing SUV collided with a light-colored sedan near the interchange with State Route 163.
Heavy Police Presence on the Freeway
Following the crash, more than a dozen police units from the Escondido Police Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) surrounded the SUV. Witnesses reported seeing flashing red and blue lights visible from nearly a mile away.
Two plainclothes officers wearing tactical vests were spotted at the scene, speaking with uniformed officers as the freeway was shut down.
Driver Shot and Taken to Hospital
According to EPD Lt. Ryan Hicks, several officers were involved in the incident, though it remains unclear how many fired their weapons.
The driver of the SUV, whose identity has not been released, was shot but survived. She was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The driver of the sedan struck during the crash was not injured, although the vehicle’s airbags deployed. Police confirmed to NBC San Diego that no officers were injured in the confrontation.
Cause of Pursuit Under Investigation
Authorities have not disclosed what prompted the initial chase or why officers fired into the SUV.
The San Diego Police Department confirmed that its ABLE police helicopter assisted Escondido police during the pursuit.
The California Highway Patrol will lead the investigation into the shooting, while Escondido police will continue cooperating with the probe.
Traffic Chaos Ahead of Holiday Weekend
The crash and subsequent investigation forced the closure of I-15 southbound lanes, with traffic diverted to SR-163 south. The closure caused significant congestion during the start of the holiday weekend, leaving many drivers stranded in delays.
Broader Community Concerns
Incidents involving police chases and officer-involved shootings often raise concerns about public safety on major freeways. High-speed pursuits can put not only suspects and officers at risk but also innocent drivers caught in the crossfire of sudden crashes or police gunfire.
Authorities emphasized that transparency in the investigation will be key to maintaining public trust as they determine whether officers acted within policy.
The condition of the wounded woman has not been publicly updated. Officials expect to release further details once the investigation progresses.
Do you believe police pursuits should be handled differently to avoid freeway shootings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
