SAN DIEGO — A San Diego Police Officer is hospitalized but expected to survive after getting shot by a suspect at a shopping center in 4S Ranch. The suspect, according to police, is dead.
The shooting occurred just after 11:30 pm at the 4S Commons Town Center, parking lot in 4S Ranch.
The sergeant and the suspect were taken to the hospital where the suspected shooter was announced dead.
The sergeant is listed in serious but stable condition and will undergo surgery in the coming hours.
According to San Diego Sheriff's Department, the agency investigating the shooting, the suspect was approached inside a store at the shopping center before running outside. In the parking lot the suspect fired at an officer, striking the sergeant in the head. Surrounding officers fired, striking the man multiple times.
The suspect was pronounced deceased around 1:00 a.m. The names of all individuals involved are being withheld at this time.
San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit told CBS 8 that the sergeant is expected to survive.
Chief Nisleit said the shooting is now the third instance in the past few months where a police officer was shot at.
"This goes back to not holding criminals accountable, and victims of violent crimes losing their voice," Nisleit told CBS 8. "And it puts law enforcement in this position where the authority, the narrative about law enforcement creates an environment that's dangerous ... And if you have a suspect that's willing to shoot at police, they're willing to shoot at anybody.
Added Chief Nisleit, "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."
The San Diego Sheriff's Department will take over the investigation.
CBS 8 will continue to track the investigation and provide updates when available.