Camp Pendleton, November 23, 2025
A police pursuit that concluded in a shooting on southbound Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton resulted in significant traffic delays and road closures. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, prompting the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes. While the California Highway Patrol investigates, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. Thankfully, no officers were injured during the confrontation.
Oceanside, California
Interstate 5 (I-5) near Camp Pendleton was closed for several hours on Saturday following a police pursuit that ended in a shooting.
Incident Details
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Buena Park Police Department concluded on southbound I-5 in the Camp Pendleton area. The pursuit ended with law enforcement officers firing at a suspect. The identity and condition of the individual involved have not been disclosed, and no officers were reported injured. Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-5 were closed due to the incident. Northbound lanes were partially reopened around 9:30 a.m., while southbound lanes remained closed, with traffic diverted south of Cristianitos Road. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that the investigation was ongoing.
Background of the Pursuit
Officers attempted to stop a motorist for a vehicle code violation near La Palma Avenue and San Marino Drive in Buena Park at about 12:45 a.m. The driver fled, leading officers on a pursuit through Orange County and Long Beach, eventually entering southbound I-5. The CHP took over the pursuit at 1:05 a.m., with the Buena Park Police Department’s K-9 unit continuing involvement at the CHP’s request. The pursuit concluded with gunfire on southbound I-5 in the Camp Pendleton area, where both a Buena Park Police Department K-9 officer and at least one CHP officer fired their weapons at the suspect.
Impact on Traffic
The freeway closure caused significant traffic disruptions, with drivers stranded for hours. Affected motorists reported being stuck in traffic for extended periods without movement. The CHP advised drivers to avoid the area, expect delays, and seek alternate routes.
Investigation and Updates
The CHP is conducting an investigation into the incident. As of Saturday afternoon, all lanes of I-5 near Harbor Drive had reopened. Motorists were advised to remain cautious and watch for personnel in the area.
Previous Incidents in the Area
In October 2025, a section of I-5 near Camp Pendleton was closed for several hours due to a military event involving live ammunition being discharged over the freeway. This event also caused significant traffic disruptions and raised safety concerns among motorists.
Conclusion
The recent closure of I-5 near Camp Pendleton is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the community. Though the incident led to considerable traffic disruption, the swift reopening of the freeway reflects the commitment of California Highway Patrol and local authorities to restore normalcy quickly. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local traffic conditions and support local businesses as they navigate the aftermath of such events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What caused the closure of I-5 near Camp Pendleton?
- The closure was due to a police pursuit that ended in a shooting on southbound I-5 in the Camp Pendleton area. Both northbound and southbound lanes were closed for several hours.
- When did the incident occur?
- The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.
- Were there any injuries reported?
- No officers were reported injured. The identity and condition of the individual involved in the shooting have not been disclosed.
- When did the freeway reopen?
- Northbound lanes were partially reopened around 9:30 a.m., and all lanes were reopened by Saturday afternoon.
- Is there any previous history of incidents on I-5 near Camp Pendleton?
- Yes, in October 2025, a section of I-5 near Camp Pendleton was closed for several hours due to a military event involving live ammunition being discharged over the freeway.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Police pursuit ending in shooting on southbound I-5 near Camp Pendleton |
| Location | Southbound I-5 in the Camp Pendleton area |
| Time of Occurrence | Approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday |
| Impact | Closure of both northbound and southbound lanes for several hours; significant traffic disruptions |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; CHP conducting investigation into the incident |
| Previous Incidents | October 2025: Military event involving live ammunition discharged over I-5 near Camp Pendleton |
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