San Diego: Police officer and suspect killed in chase

A San Diego police officer and a motorist he was trying to stop were killed when the suspect's car crashed into the side of the officer's patrol vehicle late Monday night.

The crash, which engulfed the police car in flames, also left another officer seriously injured, who is now “fighting for his life” while being treated in an intensive care unit, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters during a press conference the next morning. The two officers attempted to stop the driver when they saw the car speeding down Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, and a short chase ensued.

Wahl said a supervisor called off the chase because of the high speed, but the suspect collided with the patrol car. The officer driving was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other officer was taken to the hospital, he said. The suspect also died in the crash.

“I can't put into words the emotions that come up at a time like this when we have police officers who come to work to help those in need,” Wahl said. “And they put their lives on the line for people they don't even know. And last night we lost a good police officer.”

The police chief said there were several other cars involved and none of the drivers or passengers in those vehicles suffered serious injuries. He said there are still many questions about the causes of the accident, so the California Highway Patrol will investigate the incident itself.

“Due to the enormity of the situation and the emotions involved, I am calling on the Highway Patrol to conduct an independent investigation into this accident to fully reconstruct the exact sequence of events,” Wahl said.