HoodMinistry✨ :
The individual fatally shot by law enforcement during a traffic stop in San Marcos, California, was Andre Raphael Mendez, a 33-year-old resident of Oceanside. The incident occurred on February 18, 2026, when Andre Mendez was a passenger in a red Hyundai Sonata pulled over for vehicle code violations.
According to released body-worn camera and bystander footage, the situation escalated when Andre Mendez rolled up his window, ignored commands, and reached for a semiautomatic handgun on the car floor. After deputies deployed tasers which appeared ineffective, Andre Mendez allegedly fired shots from the vehicle. In response, five San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies and one Palomar College Reserve Police Officer discharged their weapons, resulting in Andre Mendez's death at the scene.
Deputies Involved: Sean Dwyer, Justin Tesar, Jake Brown, Chalit Caranto, and Thomas Cook.
Additional Officer: Kyle Hodges (Palomar College Reserve Police).
Investigation: The San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting under a countywide agreement to prevent conflicts of interest.
Driver: The 21-year-old female driver was removed from the vehicle safely and not arrested; the car was not reported stolen.
2026-07-07 13:06:49