An apparent patron of a downtown grocery store opened fire on a security guard — who fired back — during an altercation Friday, and a federal agent who witnessed it chased down the suspected shooter, San Diego police said.
The shooting was reported shortly before 4:55 p.m. outside the Ralphs on G Street and First Avenue, Officer Anthony Carrasco said.
Carrasco said a Homeland Security Agent was driving by the store — which is near several federal offices and facilities — when he saw the altercation.
The agent saw the patron reach into his backpack and fire on the security guard, shooting at him twice, Carrasco said. The guard pulled out his own gun and fired a shot at the man, he said.
No one was injured by the gunfire.
The federal agent started chasing the suspected gunman, following him north on First Avenue in an unmarked car but with red and blue flashing lights, Carrasco said. The agent caught up with the suspect about a block north of the store, pulled out his gun and ordered him to the ground, the officer said. The man complied.
San Diego police quickly arrived and took the suspect into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Carrasco said.
First Avenue was briefly shut down between Broadway and G Street as police investigated, but it has since reopened.
Originally Published: August 8, 2025 at 5:40 PM PDT