A man with a warrant for a probation violation was shot and killed in a deputy-involved shooting in Vista Wednesday, confirmed the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO).
San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to reports of the shooting at the 300 block of North Melrose Drive around 10:30 a.m. It happened close to Knoll Road between Ferrara Way and Plymouth Drive. That's a few blocks away from a church in a residential area.
Deputies set up a wide perimeter with crime tape extending for a couple blocks around the scene of the shooting.
Witnesses saw multiple sheriff's deputies appear on the street, armed in full tactical gear as they searched for the 24-year-old man wanted on a felony search warrant.
The suspect was a documented gang member in his 20s, according to SDSO.
He was spotted by deputies in a green vehicle. When they approached him, he jumped out of the car and the driver sped away.
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Deputies chased the man as he ran east, jumping over fences and through private yards. At one point, they lost track of the suspect for a short time.
"Eventually one deputy saw him jump into a yard about the 200 block of Knoll Road," said SDSO Lt. Kenn Nelson. "The deputy jumped into the yard to go take them into custody. There was some kind of confrontation between the deputy and the suspect."
There was a scuffle and multiple shots were fired, according to SDSO. The suspect was fatally struck.
Despite efforts to save the man, he died at the scene. Initial information released by homicide investigators does not indicate the suspect had a weapon.
The man was located right in the backyard of a residential house. The homeowner, Jason Shimp, told NBC 7 he heard multiple gun shots.
"Heard six to ten shots -- turned around and cops are running through my backyard and had everything shut down -- happen that quick boom," said Shimp.
An SDSO homicide team was sent to investigate. According to SDSO, deputies do not appear to have been injured in the shooting. Deputies say there are no outstanding suspects at this time.
Deputies say to avoid the areas near North Melrose Drive, Copper Drive, Knoll Road, Ferrara Way and Plymouth Drive.
The driver of the suspect's vehicle, a green Buick, has not yet been located, according to SDSO.
An autopsy by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office will determine the suspect's cause and manner of death.
