Police Activity Near Campus
On Oct. 31, individuals not affiliiated with SDSU got into an altercation resulted in one of the individuals being shot. No students, faculty and staff were involved, and this is an isolated incident being investigated by police. This was not an active shooter situation, and additional details are outlined below. Out of concern for the campus community, the university has offered additional counseling services to students, and support is also available to employees.
The following page has information about resources, a set of frequently asked questions and a log of communications SDSU sent to students, faculty and staff about the shooting incident.
Information is also in the campus community message also shared with students, faculty and staff on Oct. 31.
Resources Avaialble
For students
SDSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services is available should you need support. at 619-594-5220. The team, which offers individual, group and crisis counseling, can be reached by calling 619-594-5220.
For faculty and staff
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and can be reached by calling 800-367-7474 or visiting the EAP website. Faculty can also contact the Office of Faculty Advancement by emailing [email protected] or by calling 619-594-6111.
Additionally, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize the university’s many other support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I need support?
A: Counseling and support services are available to students, faculty, and staff affected by the event. Visit SDSU's Counseling and Psychological Services for resources and support. For students: SDSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services is available should you need support. at 619-594-5220. The team, which offers individual, group and crisis counseling, can be reached by calling 619-594-5220. For faculty and staff: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and can be reached by calling 800-367-7474 or visiting the EAP website. Faculty can also contact the Office of Faculty Advancement by emailing [email protected] or by calling 619-594-6111.
Q: What happened?
A: San Diego State University Police Department officers, with assistance from local police, responded to a call in the area of 5100 College Avenue. Police were able to determine and confirm that a group of individuals unaffiliated with SDSU had gotten into a personal altercation and one individual was shot. A weapon was recovered. A third suspect was initially sought but was later confirmed not to be on or near campus.
Q: Was this an active shooter situation?
A: No, this was an isolated incident involving a group of non-SDSU affiliates. Police determined that the individuals involved were not targeting campus or students, faculty and staff but, instead, had been in an altercation that resulted in one within the group being shot.
Q: Were there also stabbing incidents?
A: The university is aware of rumors circulating, including online, that there were two stabbing incidents on campus the week of Halloween. This is erroneous information. Both the San Diego State University Police Department and the San Diego Police Department have confirmed that there are no reports and no evidence of any stabbing on or around campus during the week of Halloween.
Q: Were any SDSU students, faculty, or staff involved or injured during the altercation and shooting?
A: No SDSU students, faculty or staff were involved in or injured during the shooting incident.
Q: Who were the suspects involved in the shooting incident?
A: The individuals involved were not SDSU affiliates. Two suspects were taken into custody, and a third suspect was initially sought but later confirmed not to be on or near campus. This remains an active investigation and the names of the non-SDSU affiliates have not been released.
Q: Why was there an emergency alert asking people to stay indoors?
A: Out of an abundance of caution, police advised individuals on campus to remain indoors while they worked to secure the area and apprehend the suspects. While this was not an active shooter situation and the incident was isolated to a group of individuals, the university chose to prioritize campus safety and encouraged individuals to remain indoors until an “all clear” was announced.
Q: Is it safe to be on campus now?
A: Yes, as of 8:02 p.m. on October 31, police confirmed via text, email, the SDSU Safe app, social media and web-based communications that there is no threat to campus through an “All Clear”. Further, the San Diego State University Police Department already had an enhanced presence on and around campus in advance of the incident and continued increased patrols in the days after Halloween.
Q: How can I get SDSU emergency notifications?
A: SDSU faculty, staff and students are automatically enrolled to receive emails and text messages when their cell phone numbers are on file with the university, while parents, family members and community members can sign-up to receive notifications via SDSU's dedicated subscriber portal. If you are a student, follow the instructions to make sure your contact information is up to date. All students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to download and use the SDSU Safe app, which is also available for neighbors and other community members. Be sure to turn notifications on via your device as well as the mobile app.
Q: What should I do if I see suspicious activity on or around campus?
A: Always report any suspicious activity immediately or as soon as you are safely able to do so to SDSU Police by calling or texting 9-1-1.
Log of Communications
Oct. 31 at 7:59 p.m.: After a thorough search, police determined the third suspect, who is believed to be connected to the incident, is not on or near campus. There is no threat to the campus community, and police have provided an All Clear. As communicated earlier, evening classes and events and activities, including Aztec Nights events, have been canceled for the rest of tonight, Oct. 31. More information: Urgent.sdsu.edu
Oct. 31 at 7:17 p.m.: Police ask all to remain indoors until 7:35 p.m., as they search for a third suspect believed to be connected to the shooting. As shared earlier, two suspects are already in custody, including the alleged shooter. Police also recovered the weapon believed to be used in the shooting. No students, faculty, or staff were involved or injured. The campus community can anticipate additional police activity near and around campus this evening.
Oct. 31 at 5:44 p.m.: Police have confirmed that a second suspect, identified as the alleged shooter, is now in custody and a weapon has been recovered. The individual was arrested following an altercation in the area of 5100 College Avenue that resulted in one person being shot. Out of an abundance of caution, remain indoors – an additional update will be shared. No students, faculty and staff were involved or injured. University evening classes and events and activities, including Aztec Nights events, have been canceled for the rest of tonight, Oct. 31.
Oct. 31 at 5:30 p.m.: Police have confirmed that one person has been shot and transported to a local hospital. One suspect is in custody. Individuals involved are not SDSU affiliates. Those on campus are asked to remain indoors and to be on alert. This is an active police situation. More details to follow.
Oct. 31 at 5:22 p.m.: Suspect is identified as a Hispanic male wearing a white shirt and tan cargo pants. Those on campus are asked to stay indoors and to be alert until additional information is provided. This is an active police situation. More details to follow.
Oct. 31 at 5:17 p.m.: Police are investigating a report of a person who has been injured in the area of 5100 College Avenue. Police are on scene and this is an active investigation. This is not related to the earlier reports of a brush fire. More information: Urgent.sdsu.edu