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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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.
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4S Ranch neighbors outraged after hundreds of teens descend upon pool party
Police said the party-goer who was likely stabbed with a broken bottle, couldn’t identify his attacker.
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Mosque shooter's parents sue mental health organization after Islamic Center killings
The parents of 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez allege Park Mental Health failed to properly care for and supervise their son before the deadly shooting.
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Father says Carlsbad man arrested with guillotine near U.S. Capitol was protesting
A Carlsbad tattoo artist pleaded not guilty after police said he brought a 10-foot guillotine to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
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Man accused of rape, burglaries at San Diego Youth Services housing
A 23-year-old man is accused of raping a 20-year-old mother and burglarizing three apartments Saturday night at a San Diego Youth Services housing community in the Midway District, San Diego police said.
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Altercados en Gaslamp Quarter concluye con cinco personas detenidas
Cinco personas fueron arrestadas tras varias peleas cerca de la Quinta Avenida y la calle F, donde, según la policía, los agentes fueron agredidos mientras intentaban controlar a la multitud.
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Video shows officers use pepper spray to control unruly crowd in Gaslamp Quarter
Five people were arrested after multiple fights broke out near Fifth Avenue and F Street, where police said officers were assaulted while trying to control the crowds.
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Parents question Poway Unified over Del Sur Elementary Mold
Parents at Del Sur Elementary School pressed Poway Unified School District leaders for answers Wednesday night after elevated mold spore counts delayed the start of classes and prompted the temporary relocation of the school’s students.
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Ramona egg rancher disputes County findings in Salmonella outbreak
A Ramona egg rancher is disputing San Diego County Public Health findings connecting the company’s unpasteurized eggs to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 22 people.