Deputy-Involved Shooting Investigated Near Imperial Beach Powwow Festival
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A man is hospitalized and authorities are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Imperial Beach, California, on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The incident occurred near the intersection of Evergreen Avenue and Seacoast Drive, prompting a significant law enforcement presence and a public advisory to avoid the area. Despite the ongoing investigation, officials have stated there is currently no immediate danger to the community.
Incident Unfolds During Community Event
The shooting took place amidst Imperial Beach’s annual “Powwow Festival,” a family-friendly event celebrating Native American culture. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly before 2:00 PM local time. According to reports, the individual shot is believed to be a local unhoused man well-known to residents.
Details Remain Scarce as Investigation Proceeds
The San Diego Police Department is leading the investigation. As of this reporting, the name of the individual shot has not been released. Multiple witnesses indicated the person was allegedly brandishing a knife prior to the shooting.
A senior official stated, “We are gathering all available evidence and conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Initial Dispatch Log Reveals Prior Call
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s online dispatch log, deputies were initially dispatched to the 1000 block of Ocean Lane around 1:53 PM on Sunday in response to a report of a commercial burglary with an “audible alarm.” The connection, if any, between this initial call and the subsequent shooting remains unclear.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department issued a public statement via X (formerly Twitter):
If you live in Imperial Beach, be aware of increased law enforcement activity in your area.@SDSheriff Deputies are on scene following a deputy-involved shooting near Evergreen Ave and Seacoast Dr. Please avoid this area. There is no danger to the community. We appreciate your…— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 21, 2025
The hospitalized individual was transported to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
