Dave Summers is a veteran investigative reporter who has been a trusted presence at NBC 7 San Diego for more than a decade. Known for his tenacity, urgency, and sharp enterprise reporting, Dave is often on the front lines of breaking news and major emergencies — delivering clear, accurate information when it matters most.
Over the course of his career, Dave has earned numerous honors in Southwest Regional Emmy competitions, as well as awards from the San Diego Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including Investigative Reporters and Editors, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and press clubs in both San Diego and Cleveland.
Dave’s journalism career began early — as a teenager writing for The Times Recorder in his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio, as well as the Catholic Times. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he quickly built a reputation for investigative excellence.
In 1991, Dave worked as an investigative reporter at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio, followed by reporting roles at WLWT in Cincinnati and WJW-TV in Cleveland, where he became known as the “go-to” live reporter for major developing stories.
At NBC affiliate WKYC in Cleveland, Dave served as Executive Producer and Investigative Reporter for the Target 3 I-Team. During his tenure, he earned twenty-two journalism awards, including six Emmy Awards, four “Best Reporter in Ohio” honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, an additional “Best Reporter in Ohio” recognition from the Ohio Associated Press, and eleven “Best Reporting” awards from the Cleveland Press Club.
Though San Diego marked a major change from his Ohio roots, Dave quickly became a familiar and respected face in the community. Energetic, outgoing, and relentlessly curious, he brings both experience and passion to every assignment.
When he’s not chasing a story, you might find Dave walking his Westie, Carter, on a local golf course — or anchoring investigative coverage on NBC 7 News at 4, 5, 6, and 11 p.m.
The Latest
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Chula Vista neighbor dispute over noise leads to fight, multiple arrests
A dispute over a loud party in Chula Vista’s Casalago Eastlake neighborhood left two men injured, including one who was stabbed, and six people under arrest.
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Dozens of partygoers invade, trash, and damage newly renovated Mira Mesa home
A Mira Mesa homeowner says dozens of young people broke into his newly renovated rental property, leaving behind thousands of dollars in damage and delaying plans to welcome his first tenant.
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Coast Guard suspends search for missing kayaker near Torrey Pines Gliderport
Samantha Youngs, 27, was reported missing near Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla on Tuesday morning, according to a USCG news release.
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Heartbroken family pleads for justice after fatal Crystal Pier shooting
Luis Arreola, 31, was shot and killed while working security at Crystal Pier. His longtime partner is now sharing her grief and asking for help finding his killer.
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Longtime San Diego lifeguard chief out, city officials confirm
The city confirmed James Gartland is no longer an employee but did not disclose why the longtime San Diego lifeguard leader is no longer city employed.
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Reward offered as search for sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield enters second week
Authorities say Merle Wakefield cut off his ankle monitor and disappeared from his job at an Amazon facility in Rancho Bernardo last week.
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Law enforcement source reveals new details in case of missing Oceanside mom
A private investigator and a law enforcement source provide new details into separate investigations into the disappearance of Oceanside mom Angelica Brophy.
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Mother remembers son killed during instructional flight at Montgomery Field
Flight instructor Fredrick Hewett and his student, Roger Shimizu, were killed when their Cessna crashed during an instructional flight.
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Racist, antisemitic graffiti found across San Carlos neighborhood
San Diego police are investigating after racist and antisemitic symbols were spray-painted on fences, vehicles and other property across three blocks.
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Vecinos de 4S Ranch, indignados por una fiesta masiva con cientos de adolescentes
El domingo por la noche, una fiesta en una piscina alquilada en una vivienda de varios millones de dólares cerca de 4S Ranch se convirtió en un auténtico caos.