SAN DIEGO, CA – A tense standoff unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Scripps Ranch on Thursday, resulting in the death of a man by police gunfire. The incident began shortly after noon when authorities received reports of a man wielding a gun in a residential driveway on Angelique Street. The man, reportedly barefoot and wearing headphones, allegedly threatened a pest control worker with the firearm, prompting the worker to seek refuge in his truck.
The situation escalated as San Diego police arrived on the scene, attempting to negotiate with the man to drop his weapon. Despite their efforts, the man allegedly pointed his gun toward the officers as they attempted to assist the trapped worker. In response, two SWAT snipers, positioned strategically, fired at the man, resulting in his immediate death.
The neighborhood, typically known for its serene environment, was thrown into disarray as nearby construction and landscape crews scrambled for safety. Witnesses described a surreal scene as the man, who reportedly lived nearby, moved the handgun between his hands, heightening the tension.
A neighbor, who identified himself only as Michael, recounted driving past the scene, witnessing the pest control worker crouched behind his truck in fear. Across the street, a landscape crew working on a nearby fence was equally on edge, unsure of where the danger lay.
James Blagrave, the owner of the landscaping company, managed to communicate with his crew via phone and hand signals from a distance, feeling powerless to offer more immediate assistance. The community, caught off guard by the unfolding drama, was advised to either evacuate or shelter in place as authorities worked to contain the situation.
One resident, 70 Najafian, expressed her fear as she chose to stay indoors, missing a planned lunch with her son at school. The community’s sense of safety was further shaken when police revealed that, in addition to the gun, a knife was discovered on the man after the incident.
The entire ordeal, from the initial 911 call to the fatal shots, spanned just under an hour. Despite the swift police response, the motive behind the man’s actions remains unclear, leaving investigators searching for answers.