SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A driver who allegedly rammed a deputy U.S. marshal's vehicle twice in a Clairemont Mesa neighborhood Tuesday was wounded when the lawman responded by opening fire, authorities reported.
The crashes and gunfire in the 3500 block of Mount Acadia Boulevard were reported about 5:30 p.m., according to Omar Castillo of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Leading up to the shooting by a deputy federal marshal, who was in an unmarked Jeep in a strip mall parking lot on Mt. Acadia in Clairemont, police say the driver of a grey car approached the marshal and, for an unknown reason, started arguing with him.
The suspect's unexplained rage continued as the deputy marshal, who had been wearing gear indicating was law enforcement, attempted to drive away.
"The suspect immediately drove his vehicle directly at the marshal's vehicle and collided with the driver side door," said Capt.Terry McManus of the San Diego Police Department.
Police say the suspect rammed the marshal's Jeep twice, causing the airbag to deploy.
The marshal then escaped thru his passenger side door and confronted the suspect in his vehicle.
"He gave clear verbal commands identifying himself as law enforcement, and directed the suspect to place his hands out of the vehicle," McManus said.
Police say instead of complying, the suspect appeared to reach for something beneath his seat, causing the marshal to fear for his safety.
"The Marshal was armed with his service revolver," McManus said. "He fired into the vehicle, striking the suspect."
Following the shooting, the suspect, who was struck in the torso, was taken by ambulance to Sharp Memorial.
Police said earlier this evening he was undergoing surgery and remained in stable condition. He is expected to survive.
The deputy marshal, who has not been identified, was taken to Scripps La Jolla to be checked out for minor injuries.