Carlsbad police officer, suspect exchange gunfire during traffic stop

By SDCN Editor

Carlsbad, CA–A driver was arrested following a gunfire exchange with a police officer during a traffic stop Friday evening in the Carlsbad Village area, authorities said 

A Carlsbad police officer stopped a white Ford Van at Madison Street and Oak Avenue around 10:54 p.m. in Carlsbad after seeing the driver commit multiple traffic violations in the area. The vehicle was driven by a single male occupant. As the officer approached the vehicle to contact the driver, he produced a handgun and fired at least one round at the officer without warning. The officer immediately sought cover from the gunfire and returned fire with his service weapon. The suspect drove about 1/8 block south before stopping, either voluntarily or due to mechanical failure. The officer called for additional units and a high-risk vehicle stop was conducted once additional officers arrived, including a K9 officer and a field supervisor. The suspect was given commands and complied with the officer’s directions.  The suspect was apprehended several minutes later without further incident.

Neither the suspect nor the officer was struck by gunfire. However, several rounds struck the suspect’s van. During a visual inspection of the van at the scene, a ghost-gun-type handgun was seen on the driver’s side floorboard. 

The officer who fired his weapon has been employed by the Carlsbad Police Department since August 2022. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer. 

The driver has been identified as 25-year-old Patrick Harold Doherty of Oceanside. Doherty was booked into Vista Jail for attempted murder of a police officer, felony resisting, assault with a firearm on a police officer, and an outstanding arrest warrant for DUI. Additional charges will be determined by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office once detectives have completed their preliminary investigation.

Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation. Detectives are currently collecting physical evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.         

The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for his actions.  

The Carlsbad Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.