SDSU Shooting: One Injured, Suspect Arrested As Police Lockdown Campus
On Halloween night 2024, San Diego State University (SDSU) faced chaos as police responded to a shooting that injured one person and led to a campus lockdown. A nearby brush fire added to the emergency.
At 8:00 p.m., the SDSU Police Department alerted everyone on campus about an active shooter, advising them to seek shelter. One person was shot and taken to a hospital, while police arrested a suspect. Neither was affiliated with the university.
Campus Lockdown: Swift Action by Authorities
Police established a perimeter around the shooting area near 5100 College Avenue. Officials sent alerts urging students to stay indoors while police searched for potential threats.
University Response
SDSU’s crisis team worked with law enforcement to ensure safety. Jennifer Alvarez, Emergency Management Coordinator, noted that SDSU had improved its response protocols due to rising concerns about campus shootings.
By 9:00 p.m., police contained the threat but continued investigating. Officers conducted sweeps and interviewed witnesses for more information.
Victim and Suspect Identities
Details about the victim and suspect were initially withheld as authorities notified families and investigated. Later, sources confirmed the victim was a 19-year-old male, not an SDSU student, with no university ties. He was critically injured but stabilized at a local trauma center. The suspect, whose name is withheld, was caught near the scene and is also unaffiliated with SDSU.
Heightened Security Concerns
The Halloween night timing added to the chaos. Students and visitors in costumes suddenly faced a real crisis, scrambling for safety as police arrived.
Witness Accounts
Olivia Tran, a student, shared her experience: “I was in the library when we got the alert. Seeing police cars and hearing sirens was terrifying. We locked the doors and waited for information.”
Some students initially thought it was a drill or prank, but panic spread as they realized the situation’s gravity.
Police Chief Comments
Simultaneous Emergency: 40-Acre Brush Fire Near Campus
While SDSU handled the shooter situation, a brush fire erupted southwest of campus. The fire, sparked by high winds, began near Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road at 1:45 p.m., quickly spreading through the canyon.
By 4:00 p.m., the fire had burned 40 acres and was 0% contained. Strong Santa Ana winds fueled the blaze, causing smoke to spread over central and southeast San Diego. SDPD Lt. Dan Meyer reported firefighters were working to protect residential areas.
Evacuation Orders and Road Closures
SDPD ordered evacuations for nearby neighborhoods. Hardy Elementary School students were moved to Viejas Arena at SDSU. Major road closures, including the I-8 off-ramp at Fairmont Avenue, were enforced to aid emergency response.
Community Impact and Emergency Services Response
Emergency services were stretched thin, managing both the fire and campus safety. The Red Cross set up an evacuation site at Allied Gardens Recreation Center.
“We’re prepared to support those needing shelter and care,” said Nicole Blake, Red Cross coordinator.
The Investigation Continues
As of November 1, 2024, both incidents remain under investigation. Police are reviewing security footage and collecting evidence, with updates promised as information becomes available.
The dual emergencies of an active shooter and a large fire created an unprecedented crisis for SDSU and the community.