SAN DIEGO (SDJW)– One woman was slain and seven other persons were wounded, some critically, by a beer-drinking, white, male gunman on Sunday in the swimming pool area of an apartment complex in the University City area of San Diego. Peter Selis, 49, was later identified as the gunman who went on a rampage at a poolside birthday party for a child, who reportedly was among the victims.
While police said it was too early to say whether race hatred was Selis’s motive, witnesses noted that almost all the victims were either black or Hispanic.
Emergency phone calls from citizens prompted authorities to send a helicopter over the apartment complex. An observer in the helicopter directed police officers to the pool. The man wearing brown shorts had reloaded his weapon and pointed it at officers before he was shot to death, according to a police report.
San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman asked if anyone has more information to please contact the San Diego Police Department.
Identities of the shooting victims were not released.
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Compiled from police and news reports.
San Diego City Councilwoman Barbara Bry made the following statement:
As a mother and a grandmother, I cannot think of anything more devastating than losing a loved one to senseless gun violence. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the victim who passed away as a result of yesterday’s shooting at La Jolla Crossroads. I am sending thoughts and prayers to the other victims currently receiving medical care.
Thank you to the San Diego Police Department for braving gunfire to prevent additional casualties and also to the dedicated emergency responders and medical personnel who worked diligently throughout the night to care for the wounded.
Public safety is the number one responsibility of local government, and as a Councilmember and chair of the Budget Committee, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that our public safety personnel has the resources it needs to keep our community safe.
I am still in shock that a shooting of this magnitude happened right here in San Diego, and there are many unanswered questions. The SDPD is continuing its thorough investigation, and my office is here as a resource to them and to the constituents of my district as we grapple with this tragedy.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) issued the following statement on the shooting last night at the La Jolla Crossroads apartment complex:
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim who lost her life last night in this senseless act of violence. I am praying for peace for her family, and for the full and speedy recovery of the others who were injured.
“It’s especially awful to think that such a brutal attack can happen at a birthday party in the heart of our community. This is a tragic reminder that even a city as prosperous and peaceful as San Diego is not immune to senseless acts of violence such as this.
“The true spirit of San Diego is reflected not in this attack, but in what followed: brave police officers and first responders swiftly confronting danger to prevent further tragedy, friends and neighbors coming to each other’s aid. That is the San Diego that I know and love.”
Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.