CBP officers shoot at driver allegedly speeding through Otay Mesa border crossing

Karen Kucher, The San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug 12, 2025

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SAN DIEGO — San Diego police are investigating after three federal officers fired at a 59-year-old man who allegedly sped through secondary inspection at the Otay Mesa border crossing Monday evening, nearly running into Customs and Border Protection officers, officials said.

The driver stopped after being fired upon and surrendered. He suffered minor injuries in the incident, police said. It was unclear whether he was struck by the gunfire.

The incident began around 9 p.m. when the man tried to enter the U.S. through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and was referred to secondary inspection, said police Lt. Arturo Swadener. The driver tried to flee but was unable to get through the north end of the lot because it was blocked, Swadener said.

He then drove south through the lot at a high rate of speed and nearly struck several CBP officers who were standing there, Swadener said. In response, three CBP officers fired their weapons at the man.

No CBP officers were injured in the incident.

San Diego police responded to the shooting under a countywide protocol that has officer-involved shootings investigated by an outside agency. Homeland Security Investigations agents are investigating the actions of the suspect, Swadener said.

HSI officials will also conduct an administrative investigation into the officers’ discharge of their weapons.