Oceanside officer shot dead after traffic stop
A 23-year-old police officer was shot and killed Wednesday after a routine traffic stop, authorities said.
The incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. after the male officer was called to assist another officer who had made a traffic stop at Gold Drive and Arthur Avenue in Oceanside. About 15 minutes after making the stop, the officer who had called for assistance radioed that shots had been fired and asked for additional backup, said Capt. David Heering.
It was unclear if the shots came from the car involved in the traffic stop or somewhere else.
The officer was flown to Scripps Memorial Hospital, where he died, officials said.
“It’s a very sad day for Oceanside,” said interim City Manager Barry Martin.
Dozens of law enforcement officers from across the county, as well as sheriff’s deputies, searched the area for suspects.
“Everyone is very concerned about what occurred,” Heering said.
Oceanside Police Department policy requires officers in uniform to wear a protective vest when on duty.
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