Chaos erupted in Fallbrook when police confronted an armed man traipsing down a busy street with a handgun and a knife, sparking a deputy-involved shooting. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department reported receiving multiple calls on Saturday about an individual, later identified as Patrick Wendell Lowell, brandishing weapons on Mission Road at Old River Road in Bonsall.
Two deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly commanding Lowell to relinquish his weapons upon their arrival at the intersection of Mission Road and Via Montellano. Ignoring their commands, Lowell clutched a Glock-style handgun and a knife, leading to deputies firing multiple shots that struck him in the legs and lower body, as detailed on the city’s official website.
Law enforcement personnel were able to take Lowell into custody post-shooting without further incident, quickly providing first aid before paramedics transported him to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Lowell, a 66-year-old white male from Escondido, is now facing charges, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, coupled with an outstanding felony warrant.
The San Diego Police Homicide Unit is now peeling back the layers of the event, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to unveil what led to the gunfire. The weapons wielded by Lowell were recovered at the scene. They will form part of the investigation, subject to multiple layers of review, including scrutiny by the District Attorney’s Office to assess any criminal liability the deputies may hold.
Both deputies involved, with three and five years on the force, respectively, have been assigned as patrol deputies from the Vista Patrol Station and will face an internal administrative review. Watchful eyes from the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB), the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the United States Attorney’s Office will oversee this serious investigation's progress. Authorities urge anyone with information on the incident to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
