San Diego, California — The San Diego Police Department has released video footage of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday at the sally port of the SDPD headquarters in downtown San Diego.
SDPD officers fired at 25-year-old Keith Bergman after he managed to slip out of his handcuffs and grab an officer’s backup gun, discharging at least one round. The incident began around 6:20 pm when a downtown hotel called 911 to report a disturbance caused by Bergman. He had previously been pepper-sprayed and subdued by hotel security for threatening to stab hotel staff. Responding officers from the San Diego Police Department took Bergman into custody without further incident. Following his arrest, Bergman was evaluated for intoxication and found to be under the influence. During a search of his person, officers discovered methamphetamine and five credit cards that did not belong to him. He was subsequently transported to police headquarters for processing.
While seated in the back of a patrol car in the sally port, Bergman managed to free one hand from his handcuffs. He then forcibly broke through a plexiglass barrier, accessed the rear area of the car, and retrieved a backpack containing an officer’s backup handgun. Surveillance footage captures the initial moments of the incident when Bergman is alone in the vehicle. Upon hearing the disturbance, an officer opens the car door and discovers that Bergman has escaped his restraints. As additional officers approach, they observe Bergman holding a handgun. Despite repeated commands to surrender, Bergman refuses to comply, prompting officers to draw their service weapons in response.
Bergman fires a round from the back of the patrol car, causing debris to fly as the bullet penetrates the rear glass, as shown in highlighted portions of the video. After a brief standoff, Bergman reaches through the broken glass, opens the rear door, and exits the vehicle with the backpack and handgun concealed at his waist. He attempts unsuccessfully to open the rear hatch before trying to access the driver’s door. In response, an officer fires three rounds, followed by a fourth as Bergman persists in his attempts. A K-9 unit is deployed, and Bergman is eventually taken into custody.
Following the securing of the handgun, officers provide immediate first aid to Bergman until paramedics arrive. Bergman is subsequently transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
