Coronado guards open fire on car crashing through gates

In a shocking incident at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, guards opened fire after a car ran and tried to get through the main gate.

According to the officials, the driver ignored repeated warnings to stop and breached the gate, prompting the guards to take action. The guards fired several shots at the vehicle, which eventually came to a stop near the gate. The base went into lockdown, closing all of the gates as a result. Base guards took the suspect into custody and arrested by the Coronado Police Department.

A sheriff’s deputy suspected of being under the influence was arrested after allegedly trying to drive through the main gate of Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado Friday night, prompting base guards to shoot at his vehicle, officials said Saturday.https://t.co/z677R64eMx

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) March 20, 2023

The motive behind the incident is not yet clear, and authorities including The Coronado Police Department and Naval Criminal Investigative Service are handling the investigation. Initial reports suggest that the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police identified the driver as Sgt. Michael Cruz, a deputy with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, who was off duty at the time.

Following the incident, the Naval Base Coronado was placed on lockdown, and all personnel were advised to remain indoors until further notice.

In a statement released to the press, the commanding officer of the Naval Base Coronado, Captain Timothy J. Slentz, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the guards and assured that the safety of the personnel at the base remains their top priority.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of heightened security measures at military bases, and the need for continued vigilance in the face of potential threats. The Naval Base Coronado is a vital military installation, and security is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of its personnel and facilities.

Officials have assured the public that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure the security of the base and prevent any similar incidents from occurring in the future.