A man who took off from his ex-girlfriend's home with their 11-month-old baby late Sunday was later shot by San Diego police near an MTS trolley stop in Chollas View, investigators said Monday.
The incident began at 10:20 p.m. Sunday when SDPD officers were called to an apartment by a woman who said her ex-boyfriend was threatening to shoot her through the door, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said. Fearing for her life, investigators said, she let the man in, and he immediately grabbed the girl and left.
The man was spotted leaving the apartment with the baby as officers arrived, deputies said, and he fled toward the Orange Line's 47th Street Trolley Station and then into a nearby apartment complex.
Police located the man hiding in some bushes with the child, whom he was holding, and an officer shot the suspect, deputies said, though they did not provide any details on what prompted the shooting. Deputies investigating the shooting said that the officer who fire, who has been with the department for a year and a half, was unaware the suspect was holding the baby at time he was shot.
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They did say, however, that officers ordered him to come out and at least one officer fired a round at the man, striking him a least once, San Diego County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mike Krugh said.
Officers began lifesaving measures at the scene, which continued until paramedics arrived, who took him to the hospital where he underwent surgery, Krugh said. He is expected to survive.
The baby was not harmed physically in the incident and and was returned home, Krughsaid. Her mother was also unharmed.
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SDSO investigators found one firearm at the scene and believed they would find others.
The officer who fired at the suspect, who has been with the force for about two years, has been placed on paid administrative leave, per SDPD policy.
The Sheriff's Department is investigating the shooting due to a memorandum of understanding that limits law enforcement from investigating their own officer-involved incidents.
Part of the investigation will look into why the officer opened fire with a child so close, Krugh said. SDSO homicide investigators were collecting evidence Monday morning.
The suspect has been charged with kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner, and willful cruelty to a child with the potential for great bodily injury or death,
