San Diego Police Involved in Fatal Nipoma Street Shooting

On August 25, 2026, a check-the-welfare call in the 2700 block of Nipoma Street in San Diego turned into a residential burglary in progress, culminating in an officer-involved shooting that left a 24-year-old Alpine man dead. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the incident prompted a multi-agency response, including the San Diego Police Department SWAT Team, and is now undergoing a comprehensive criminal and administrative review.

The Escalation on Nipoma Street

The sequence began at approximately 4:40 p.m. when San Diego Police Department officers arrived at the Nipoma Street residence. Officers contacted the homeowner, who confirmed that firearms were inside the house and that no unauthorized individuals belonged on the property. Given the inherent risks, the department’s SWAT team deployed tactical methods to secure the location.

Hours ticked by as authorities attempted to make contact. During the standoff, multiple gunshots rang out from inside the residence. At approximately 9:20 p.m., an adult male holding a firearm emerged through the front door, leading to the officer-involved shooting. Paramedics pronounced the man deceased at the scene at 9:40 p.m., recovering a firearm directly next to the decedent.

Identities of the Deceased and Involved Officers

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased man as 24-year-old Erik Simon Sanders of Alpine. No police officers sustained injuries during the hours-long operation.

Authorities also released the names and assignments of the three officers who discharged their weapons during the incident:

• Officer Christopher Lingenhol: A 12-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, assigned to patrol at the Mid-City Division and a member of the SDPD SWAT Primary Response Team.
• Officer David Speck: A 30-year-old veteran of the department, assigned to Special Operations and the SWAT team.
• Officer Jose Velasquez: A nine-year veteran assigned to patrol at the Central Division and a member of the SDPD SWAT Primary Response Team.

The Multi-Agency Investigation Protocol

Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding governing officer-involved shootings in the region, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit took over the inquiry. Detectives are currently reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and mapping out the exact timeline and motivations behind the event.

Once the Homicide Unit completes its fact-finding mission, the case file goes directly to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will evaluate the evidence to determine whether the officers bear any criminal liability. Parallel to the criminal inquiry, the San Diego Police Department will conduct an independent administrative review.

Investigators urge anyone with relevant information regarding the August 25 shooting to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at [phone], or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at [phone].