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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Man suspected of assaulting couple after Carlsbad crash has record, prosecutors say
A man suspected of stabbing a man and striking a woman after the individuals were involved in a car crash on a freeway off-ramp in Carlsbad appeared in court Wednesday to face charges.
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Video, witness accounts shed light on violent confrontation after Carlsbad crash
A truck crash in Carlsbad escalated into a violent confrontation that left a man stabbed and a woman assaulted, according to the California Highway Patrol.
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North Park man believes hawk attacked his 16-year-old cat
A North Park man believes he has solved the mystery of what happened to his beloved cat after security camera video appeared to show a hawk breaking through his patio screen and carrying the animal away.
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Man dies after being run over at Fallbrook special-needs facility
The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified the disabled man who was hit and killed while lying in the parking lot of a special needs facility in Fallbrook.
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Elderly Kensington residents shaken by string of break-ins
Residents on a single block in San Diego’s Kensington neighborhood say a string of home and vehicle break-ins has left elderly neighbors frightened and demanding more police protection.
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Vigil held for missing Oceanside mother, ER nurse Angelica Brophy
Family members, friends and coworkers gathered Wednesday evening at Lakeview Park in San Marcos to support the family of missing Oceanside mother and ER nurse Angelica Brophy while urging the public to help investigators as the search continues.
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Pepper balls used to disperse crowd after World Cup match in Chula Vista
Chula Vista police used pepper spray to disperse a crowd of about 200 people Sunday night after Mexico’s World Cup knockout-round loss to England, according to the department.
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Federal warrant details alleged ‘Skinhead' attacks near Oceanside Pier
A newly filed federal search warrant is shedding light on two alleged violent attacks near the Oceanside Pier in June 2025 that investigators say involved men identifying themselves as “skinheads.”
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Reward increases after $25K stolen from Kearny Mesa gentlemen's club
More than $25,000 was stolen from the safe at Expose Gentlemen’s Club in Kearny Mesa during an early Monday morning burglary. The business is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
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Encinitas City Council votes to redo bike paths on Santa Fe Drive corridor
Encinitas is moving forward Wednesday night with plans to redo some of the bikes paths completed just last year. The cost will be in the millions, which some say is a waste of money.
