Man killed after shooting at detective during National City chase

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A man is dead after shooting at a detective during a police pursuit in National City Friday afternoon, police report.

According to the San Diego Police Department, a man is dead after running from a traffic stop, hiding in a tow truck and shooting at police. He has not yet been identified by authorities.

At 1:22 p.m. Friday, sheriff deputies stopped a white car with two men and a woman inside in the 200 block of Mile of Cars Way in National City. The police department reports the man in the front passenger seat ran from the car on foot during the traffic stop.

The other two passengers were detained while police searched for the suspect.

Police say they were able to find him with the help of a citizen who told a detective he saw the man run through a nearby Dodge dealership and get into a tow truck that was in the parking lot.

The detective and a National City motorcycle officer then approached the truck and gave the man commands. Police say the suspect fired at least one round toward the detective, which shattered the passenger window of the tow truck and injured the detective, who returned fire, hitting the man.

First responders tried to save the suspect, but he died at the scene. A firearm was found nearby.

The detective involved was taken to the hospital for minor injuries from broken glass shards. He has not yet been identified, but police say he has been with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office for 35 years and is assigned to the East County Regional Gang Task Force.

The San Diego County Homicide Unit is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Detectives are working gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation continues. The National City Police Department assisted at the scene.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.