An investigation is currently underway following an alleged robbery and shooting incident outside a popular burger & pizza establishment in San Diego's Pacific Beach on Sunday night. The incident occurred outside The Friendly, situated on the 1300 block of Garnet Avenue, at approximately 10:15pm.
According to law enforcement, as the suspect departed in a vehicle driven by another individual, the suspect purportedly discharged a gunshot towards a business owner, resulting in the bullet striking the building of The Friendly. The suspect swiftly fled the scene in the vehicle. As of 11pm, SDPD stated that no one had been apprehended.
The motive behind the robbery remains unclear, leaving authorities uncertain whether the target was an individual at the establishment or the business itself. The police department confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
According to witnesses, the suspect actually robbed a smoke shop near The Friendly. After hearing commotion, staff of The Friendly went outside to see what was happening and ran into the assailant. The smoke shop's owner then caught up to robber and tackled him. During the scuffle, the suspect took out a firearm and got a shot off, then fled to a black BMW and sped away.
"Last night, two Hispanic men entered the Beachwave Smoke Shop in Pacific Beach," wrote San Diego Police Department Public Information Officer Daniel Meyer. "Both men approached the cashier and asked about a product the store sells. After the cashier produced the item, one of the men took the item before they both exited and attempted to leave in their vehicle. A brief struggle ensued before a witness observed one of the men produce a firearm. A shot was heard by the witness. Both men left the area and are not currently in custody. Suspect 1 is described as a Hispanic Male, 20’s, thin, 5’06”, wearing a pink Hoodie, Black Sweatpants & White Shoes. Suspect 2 is described as a Hispanic Male, 20s, medium build, 5-5, Blue Mariner's BB Cap, Dark Sweatshirt, Tan Shorts & Black Shoes. The suspect vehicle is described as a dark SUV."
Anyone with information on the Sunday night shooting and robbery outside The Friendly Pacific Beach is asked to call San Diego Police Department Central Division at 619.744.9500.
