San Diego Police sergeant was shot and a suspect was killed during an investigation in the 4S Ranch area, law enforcement officials confirmed.
SDPD officials said the incident happened at around 11:30 pm Thursday night at the 4S Commons Town Center near Craftsman Way.
Both the sergeant and suspect involved were transported to the hospital, and ABC 10News learned the suspect later died
DPD Chief David Nisleit told the media early Friday morning that the sergeant was in serious but stable condition after sustaining at least one gunshot wound to the upper body. The sergeant was slated to undergo surgery later in the morning, the chief said.
Police said the sergeant "was expected to survive."
According to Nisleit, the sergeant initially made contact with the individual inside one of the stores at the shopping center, which led them to the outside of the store.
"This is a very dangerous situation; multiple rounds being fired at officers. The officers did a phenomenal job tonight," Nisleit said. "Obviously, we have a sergeant in the hospital, that makes me emotional. But the officers did an amazing job tonight."
The chief said this is the third officer shot in the line of duty in the last 12 months. When asked about that, Nisleit gave a long and impassioned response.
"This goes back to not holding criminals accountable. And victims of violent crimes losing their voice. And it puts law enforcement in this position where the authority, the narrative about law enforcement creates an environment that's dangerous. Even more dangerous. And if you have a suspect that's willing to shoot at police, they're willing to shoot at anybody. So you have somebody that openly fires on police officers, again this is my third officer that's been hit in the last 12 months ,and I've had multiple officers shot at. Yes, we're a large city, but we've not seen this kind of violence towards law enforcement in my 35-year career that I can remember. And you can tell I'm kind of fed up with it, to be honest with you. And a lot of it is because criminals are no longer being held accountable. And it's gotta stop."
Police said the sergeant has been with the department for several years and has served with the SWAT unit.
Per San Diego County protocols for law enforcement officer-involved shootings, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit will lead the investigation into the incident.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)