SAN DIEGO _ Two San Diego police gang-detail officers making a traffic stop in the Southcrest neighborhood late Thursday night were shot several times, one mortally wounded, triggering a massive police search into the daylight hours. One suspect is in custody.
The slain officer was shot several times, rushed to a hospital in a patrol car but died there despite life-saving efforts, San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said early Friday. The wounded officer underwent surgery early Friday and was expected to survive.
The suspect, who had been shot, was being treated at a hospital, Zimmerman said. His name was not released.
Zimmerman identified the slain officer as Jonathan DeGuzman, a 16-year veteran, husband and father of two.
"Tragically, one of our officers was murdered last night," Zimmerman told reporters late Friday morning.
The second officer, Wade Irwin, a nine-year police veteran with a wife and one child, remains unconscious after emergency surgery.
"We are grateful Officer Wade Irwin is expected to survive the attempt on his life," Zimmerman said.
As the chief spoke to reporters, San Diego Police continued to surround a house on Epsilon Street just west of 41st Street in Shelltown, where a second, potential suspect was believed to be holed up.
Earlier in the morning, officers had fired several smoke or gas bombs into the home, which had an armored SWAT vehicle in the driveway.
A police officer used a bullhorn to urge a man named Marcos to come out of the house.
"We're not going anywhere," the officer said. "It has been a really long night. I'm worried about you. I haven't heard from you for a while.
"I need to hear from you. You need to talk to me. Your sister ... is really scared. What should I tell her? It's not fair to have your sister so worried about you."
Late Thursday night, the two officers, who were wearing body cameras, conducted a stop near Acacia Grove Way and 38th Street, a neighborhood that abuts the Chollas Creek ravine.
Zimmerman said it was unclear whether the officers had made a vehicle stop or a pedestrian stop, but they immediately called for emergency cover.
Other officers arrived shortly after 11 p.m. and found the first two officers suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
"Despite heroic efforts by officers on scene and heroic efforts by doctors to save his life, I'm heartbroken to report they were unable to save him and he is deceased," Zimmerman said.
She said she went to the home of the officer who died and notified his wife, two children and extended family members who were there.
"It is extremely difficult but something you have to do," Zimmerman said. "There's nothing that prepares you to do that."
News of the shooting prompted comment from both local and national political figures.
On Twitter, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said, "Two policemen just shot in San Diego, one dead. It is only getting worse. People want law and order!"
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer released the following statement:
"Last night we lost one of San Diego's finest. We grieve for our fallen officer and stand with his family during this very difficult time. We also pray for the second officer shot last night as he recovers from surgery. Violence against the men and women who wear the badge is violence against us all. I ask all San Diegans and all people across our nation to join together in support of our officers who courageously protect our communities. We need them and they need us."
There was no update on the condition of the suspect, who was taken into custody about 11:30 p.m. in a ravine near South 38th and Alpha streets. Officers had found a blood trail leading toward him.
The incident comes as police throughout the country are on high alert following the killing of officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., earlier this month.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund on Wednesday issued a report revealing that 67 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty through July 20 this year _ an 8 percent increase over the same period last year, when 62 officers were killed.
Other figures on the Officer Down Memorial Page website showed that 19 officers had been slain nationwide in July, through Monday.
