By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has identified the San Diego police sergeant involved in an officer-involved shooting that occurred May 6 during a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle in San Diego.
According to authorities, San Diego police officers located an occupied stolen vehicle around 11 a.m. on Telocote Road and attempted a felony traffic stop. The driver fled, leading officers on a pursuit across several freeways and surface streets before the chase was called off because of public safety concerns.
A short time later, officers again located the vehicle and attempted to contact the driver, who fled for a second time, authorities said.
During the pursuit, officers deployed tire deflation devices on Derby Farms Road near Steeple Chase Row. Investigators said the suspect accelerated the vehicle toward two officers standing on an embankment near the devices. Fearing for their safety, San Diego Police Sgt. Jeffrey Houchins fired one round, striking the stolen vehicle. The suspect continued driving.
The pursuit ended when the suspect was taken into custody near Ted Williams Parkway and Highland Ranch Road.
No officers or the suspect were injured during the incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Janet Debbie Hammel of San Diego. She faces charges including two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, grand theft, felony reckless evading and violation of parole. Hammel is being held at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility.
The Sheriff’s Office said Houchins has served with the San Diego Police Department for 16 years and is assigned to patrol at Western Division.
Under the countywide memorandum of understanding for officer-involved shootings, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses and review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Once the investigation is completed, the case will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any criminal liability exists. The San Diego Police Department will also conduct an administrative review of the firearm discharge.
