Oceanside, California, December 16, 2025

During a U.S. Marine Corps live-fire exercise at Camp Pendleton, a premature detonation of an artillery shell sent shrapnel striking a California Highway Patrol vehicle. The incident, which occurred over Interstate 5, caused minor damage to the patrol car, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Following the event, concerns were raised about public safety, prompting an investigation by the Marine Corps into the premature detonation and the safety protocols involved in conducting such exercises.

Shrapnel from Marine Corps Live-Fire Exercise Strikes CHP Vehicle in California

Oceanside, California – During a U.S. Marine Corps live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025, a premature detonation of an artillery shell resulted in shrapnel striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The incident occurred over Interstate 5, where the CHP had temporarily halted traffic for the exercise. No injuries were reported.

Details of the Incident

The live-fire exercise, part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations, involved firing artillery shells over the freeway. A 155mm artillery round fired from Red Beach detonated prematurely, sending shrapnel onto the freeway and damaging a CHP patrol car parked on an on-ramp. The shrapnel left a small dent and scratch on the vehicle’s hood. Smaller pieces of shrapnel also struck a CHP motorcycle, but no damage was reported. The CHP immediately notified the Marine Corps, which led to the suspension of further live ordnance firing over the freeway. The area was subsequently swept for safety evaluations.

Reactions and Investigations

Following the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concerns over public safety, describing the live-fire demonstration as dangerous and reckless. The Marine Corps acknowledged the premature detonation and has initiated an investigation to determine the cause. Captain Gregory Dreibelbis of the I Marine Expeditionary Force emphasized the commitment to identifying the incident’s root cause and applying findings to future missions, showcasing a proactive approach to accountability and improved safety protocols.

Background Context

The live-fire demonstration was part of a broader event marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, attended by notable officials including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Prior to the exercise, the California Department of Transportation closed a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 for safety reasons, causing significant traffic disruptions as motorists were rerouted through alternative routes. The ongoing discussions regarding the safety protocols of conducting live-fire exercises over active freeways highlight the need for enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local authorities during such events.

Key Features of the Incident

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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