A routine Saturday morning took a violent turn in the community of Fallbrook when deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department opened fire on a 66-year-old man brandishing what appeared to be a handgun and a knife. According to official reports, the individual, identified as Patrick Wendell Lowell of Escondido, was encountered by law enforcement on Mission Road at the intersection with Via Montellano.
Responding to several calls from concerned citizens reporting a male armed with a knife and a Glock-style firearm strolling down Mission Road, deputies Lee and Chavez commanded Lowell to disarm, who, gripping his weapons staunchly, dismissed the commands, leading to a shooting. Lowell was shot in the legs and lower body and was later hospitalized with non-threatening injuries, according to the city's official site.
The weapons in Lowell's possession were recovered at the scene, revealing that the firearm was a Glock replica BB pistol. The incident, which saw officers administering first aid until paramedics arrived, culminated in Lowell's arrest for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer and enforcement of an existing felony warrant. Details were shared on Hoodline.com.
Amidst the ongoing investigation being handled by the San Diego Police Homicide Unit, touching on witness interviews and evidence collection, an internal administrative review on the conduct of Deputy Lee and Chavez, who serve at the Vista Patrol Station for three and five years, respectively. Nested within this procedural labyrinth, CLERB, alongside the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office, is also monitoring the developments as they unfold. In light of these findings, the reality of lethal force and its grim resonance in the streets is yet again at the forefront.
Investigators and officials alike are urging individuals with any relevant information to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477, as this serious matter continues to be dissected by various branches of the justice system.
