SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A probationer who allegedly pulled a replica handgun on a San Diego police officer was shot in the chest by that patrolman early Wednesday, police said.
The officer-involved shooting took place in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy at Camino Ruiz and Mira Mesa Boulevard shortly before 12:30 a.m., according to San Diego police homicide Lt. Kevin Rooney.
The patrolman -- a sergeant and 21-year veteran of the SDPD -- saw two young men dressed in dark clothing and hoods walking near some parked vehicles and followed them as they walked toward the pharmacy. As the sergeant pulled up to the front of the open business, one of the men went inside and the other walked southbound, along a row of planter boxes in front of the business, Rooney said.
"Because of the time of night, their youthful appearances and the sergeant's suspicion they might be casing vehicles to burglarize them, the sergeant called out to the suspect and asked to speak to him," the lieutenant said, adding that the suspect stopped and talked to the sergeant.
When the sergeant asked for some identification, the suspect handed his wallet towards the officer, then ran south through the parking lot, Rooney said. The sergeant ran after the suspect for about 175 feet until the suspect stopped, turned around and started to run back towards the officer while also allegedly pulling the handgun from his waistband and raising it.
According to Rooney, the sergeant responded by firing one round from his pistol, striking the suspect in the chest and causing him to collapse.
The wounded suspect was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery, and he was expected to survive. He was identified as 22-year-old Robert McBride Jr.
Once he recovers, he will be booked into county jail on suspicion of exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner and probation violation, Rooney said, adding that his weapon turned out to be a dark, plastic replica semi-automatic handgun.
The sergeant was not injured.
The other suspect was found in the store and taken into custody for questioning.