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Commissioners will discuss the recent officer involved shootings (IOS) in South San Francisco. (Devin Stenhouse, DEI Officer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Per the commission’s request, commissioners will discuss the recent officer involved shootings (OIS) in South San Francisco. No further actions are recommended as both IOS’s are still being investigated.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
During the early evening of April 28, 2025, South San Francisco police officers responded to a 911 call in the Winston Manor neighborhood regarding an “active disturbance where a suspect was brandishing a firearm at a neighbor”. Soon after arrival, police backup was called as the suspect had started shooting into an occupied residence. The suspect eventually began shooting at police officers (with multiple firearms) and was eventually shot by SSF police officers. The suspect died at the scene. The suspect shot one of the residents in the home he originally fired into and that resident sustained a non-life-threatening injury. More details are provided with the two media releases that are attached.
A public safety community meeting was held at the L|PR Center Council Chambers on May 13th to address the shooting. Councilmember Coleman, Chief Campbell, Captain Pinell, and the department’s mental health clinician, Charli Prete addressed the audience to ensure the public could have a better understanding of how and why the incident occurred. Video and audio footage was shared during the meeting for transparency. SSFPD’s mental health clinician as well as a clinician from StarVista, and a representative from Kara (grief support) were present and available for those who needed mental and/or emotional support. Attendees were able to ask questions and provide comments at the conclusion of the presentation.
Link to the community meeting: <https://youtu.be/jnwRsYwAJrU>
A critical incident debrief was held on May 15th at the Police Department. Seven (7) people, including the victims, attended, and were escorted into the administrative area of the PD, where they were able to meet privately with the mental health clinicians. Some media outlets were outside at the door, but they were told that only impacted residents were to be admitted to meet with counselors.
Link to ABC news coverage: <https://abc7news.com/post/bodycam-drone-video-shows-moments-during-south-san-francisco-police-shootout-killed-suspect/16432688/>
During the evening of May 14th, 2025, South San Francisco police officers received multiple calls to the Oyster Point neighborhood regarding a man “yelling obscenities and attempting to force entry into a public restroom”. After officers arrived, the suspect was found to still be attempting to break into a restroom. When officers attempted to make contact, the suspect fled on foot with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand (which was later found to be a replica firearm). After attempting to subdue the suspect with less-lethal force (which was ineffective), the suspect pointed the firearm at officers which prompted officers to then discharge their weapons. Medical personnel responded to assist the suspect, but he was soon pronounced dead at the scene. Because the suspect was shot and killed due to pointing a replica firearm at officers (unbeknownst to them), the State of California mandates that the incident be investigated by the State Department of Justice, as opposed to the county’s district attorney. More details are provided with the two media releases that are attached.
The two OIS have been very stressful for the police officers involved, as well as the entire department. Chief Campbell is acutely aware of the need for staff debriefing and counseling as needed. A modest budget increase for 2025/26 fiscal year for mental health and wellness support has been requested by the city manager.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, per the commission’s request, commissioners will discuss the recent officer involved shootings (OIS) in South San Francisco. No further actions are recommended as both IOS’s are still being investigated.