Update: Suspect in Nipomo shooting incident identified
Update posted Aug. 24:
–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is releasing updated information regarding the shooting incident that occurred in Nipomo last week, as well as the identity of the suspect:
The sheriff’s office is identifying the suspect from the active shooter incident in Nipomo on 8-21-20. The suspect is identified as 42-year-old Scott Huffman of Bakersfield.
More information on the timeline of events is also being released. On 8-21-20 at approximately 11:20 a.m., sheriff’s dispatch received numerous 911 calls for an active shooter at the Vons shopping center in Nipomo. Sheriff’s deputies and the CHP were immediately dispatched to the scene. The suspect was shooting multiple rounds at the Vons gas station convenience store located at 550 West Tefft Street in Nipomo. After shooting several rounds at the exterior doors of the convenience store, the suspect walked toward Tefft Street as he continued to fire multiple rounds toward businesses on the south side of Tefft.
The suspect then shot multiple rounds at a Cal Fire firetruck that was traveling Eastbound on Tefft responding to an unrelated call for service. The firetruck was struck multiple times in the passenger door.
The suspect then entered the center median of Tefft street and pointed his handgun at motorists.
The suspect made his way back to the Vons shopping center parking lot where he ultimately made entry into the same convenience store he had shot previously. Once inside the store, he continued firing multiple rounds from a semi-automatic handgun.
Sheriff’s deputies and a California Highway Patrol officer arrived on scene while the suspect was inside the store. The suspect exited the convenience store and an officer-involved shooting took place at that location. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
No civilian or law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit immediately began an Officer-Involved Shooting investigation with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI.
At this point, a motive for the shooting is still being investigated.
No further information is available at this time.
Cal Fire issues statement on active shooter
–On Friday August 21st, 2020 at approximately 11:25 a.m., CAL FIRE / SLO County Fire Medic Engine 20 was shot three times while responding to an unrelated 911 emergency. As the fire engine was approaching the Vons Gas Station, the engine crew heard a series of popping noises. When the crew noticed they were being shot at, they quickly drove to a safe area and requested law enforcement. Fortunately, the thickness of the engine door kept the bullets from entering the cab and prevented the crew from being injured.
“We were very fortunate and lucky today that none of the firefighters or civilians were injured.” – Unit Chief Scott Jalbert.
Original story posted Aug. 22:
–On Friday, deputies from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of shots fired in the Vons shopping center in the 500 block of W. Tefft Street in Nipomo which quickly became an active shooter incident. Witnesses reported seeing a man firing a handgun indiscriminately in the parking lot of the shopping center.
When deputies arrived, the suspect entered the Vons gas station at the corner of W. Tefft Street and Mary Avenue. The suspect fired shots inside the building. When the suspect exited the building, he began shooting. Deputies and a CHP officer reportedly fired upon the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the suspect is pending notification of next of kin.
Law enforcement canvassed the entire area which included numerous businesses on both sides of W. Tefft and confirmed there were no injuries and to make sure the public was safe and secure.
Sheriff’s personnel including deputies, detectives and special enforcement detail responded to this incident along with the CHP, the Regional Swat Team, FBI, State Fish and Wildlife, and Cal Fire.
During the incident, the suspect made contact with a person driving a 4-door black hatchback vehicle on W. Tefft Street just east of Mary Avenue. Investigators are asking the driver of that vehicle to contact them with regards to this incident at (805) 781-4500.
In addition, the sheriff’s office is asking for any witnesses to this incident or anyone who might have video of the incident to contact them at (805) 781-4500.
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