Holly MatkinMission Valley, CA – A group of Good Samaritans rushed to the aid of a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer after he was shot while conducting a crash investigation on Wednesday night, according to police.
The attack occurred on Interstate 8 near Interstate 805 at approximately 6:15 p.m. on April 27, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The eight-year CHP veteran was investigating a collision near the ramp connecting the two routes when he “became involved in a struggle with a pedestrian,” CHP Captain Michael Harris later told reporters outside the hospital.
The officer was shot once in the right thigh during the fight, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
Capt. Harris said a single bullet was fired during the brawl, but that investigators are still working to determine whether the round came from the officer’s gun or if the suspect had his own weapon, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
A group of good Samaritans jumped in to help the wounded officer and were able to subdue the unidentified 25-year-old suspect until additional officers arrived at the scene, according to Capt. Harris.
One of the citizens who rushed to the officer’s aid said he used his own sweatshirt and the officer’s belt to help staunch the bleeding, KUSI reported.
I just spoke to a Good Samaritan who stopped to help the officer after the suspect opened fire. He says he used his sweatshirt and the officers belt to stop the bleeding.
Traffic on the 8 west in #MissionValley is still being impacted by investigation. pic.twitter.com/MbUBnC3wfi
— Hunter Sowards (@huntersowards3) April 28, 2022
The officer was rushed to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, where he was listed in serious but stable condition on Wednesday night.
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and it is unclear what potential charges he may face, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The suspect’s potential connection to the motor vehicle crash was also unknown.
Traffic backed up near Interstate 8 @ Interstate 805 where officers say a CHP officer has been shot. Officers say CHP officer’s condition unknown & suspect is in custody. Stay w @fox5sandiego pic.twitter.com/p76J4LzqGB
— Liberty Zabala FOX 5 (@Liberty_Zabala) April 28, 2022
Capt. Harris said the CHP is “very, very grateful” for the Good Samaritans who stopped to help the wounded officer, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“We are all praying that [the officer] makes a full recovery swiftly,” he said.
