A man who reportedly threatened library patrons with an axe in Pacific Beach Thursday was later shot by San Diego police when he refused to drop the weapon, authorities said.
The man, who is in his 50s, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was expected to survive as of Thursday night, said sheriff’s homicide Lt. Juan Márquez. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as part of a countywide agreement so departments don’t investigate their own officer-involved shootings.
Police were first called at 4:20 p.m. with reports that a man was threatening people inside the Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library with an axe and damaging items, Márquez said. The man then walked across the street, and officers met him at the corner of Dawes Street and Thomas Avenue, where they demanded he drop the axe, the lieutenant said.
When he refused, an officer opened fire, striking the suspect, Márquez said. Police rendered medical aid until medical crews arrived and took him to a hospital. His name was not released.
The officer was wearing a body-worn camera at the time of the shooting. The officer’s name was not released.
“At this stage of the investigation, the motivation and circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation,” Márquez said in a statement. “Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”
A weapon resembling an axe was recovered at the scene, officials said.
Michelle Miller, who’s lived in the neighborhood for more than a year, said she was gardening outside her home when she and her landlord heard about six shots fired off in rapid succession. When she came around the corner, she saw police arresting a man who was lying on the ground, handcuffed and wounded.
The shooting will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for their actions.
Staff writer Teri Figueroa contributed to this report.
