Imperial Beach, California, December 27, 2025
A deputy-involved shooting occurred at Imperial Beach Pier during the ‘Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow’ event. Deputy Maxwell Hammond shot and fatally injured Gary Gates, who approached deputies with a knife after expressing suicidal thoughts. Friends of Gates describe him as troubled and a memorial has been created at the site. The San Diego Police Department is investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Imperial Beach, California
Authorities have identified the individuals involved in a deputy-involved shooting that occurred near the Imperial Beach Pier on December 21, 2025. Deputy Maxwell Hammond, a three-year veteran of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department assigned to the Imperial Beach Substation, was the deputy involved. The victim has been identified as 51-year-old Gary Gates from Evansville, Indiana.
The incident took place during the “Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow” event, a family-friendly gathering held at the pier. According to the San Diego Police Department, deputies were present at the event when a man approached them, expressing a desire to be shot. During the interaction, the man produced a knife and advanced toward the deputies. Despite multiple commands to drop the weapon, the man continued his approach, leading Deputy Hammond to discharge his firearm, striking the individual. Medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and the man was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Friends of the victim have described him as a kind and troubled individual who had been living near the pier. They noted that he had previously expressed suicidal thoughts and had reached out to local services for help. A memorial has been established at the location of the shooting, with flowers, candles, and messages honoring his memory.
The San Diego Police Department is conducting an investigation into the incident. Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if any criminal liability exists regarding Deputy Hammond’s actions. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are also monitoring the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Imperial Beach Pier, California |
| Date of Incident | December 21, 2025 |
| Event | Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow |
| Deputy Involved | Deputy Maxwell Hammond |
| Victim | Gary Gates, 51, from Evansville, Indiana |
| Cause of Shooting | Victim advanced toward deputies with a knife after being commanded to drop it |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by San Diego Police Department; findings to be forwarded to District Attorney’s Office |
| Memorial | Established at the location of the shooting with flowers, candles, and messages |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was involved in the shooting near the Imperial Beach Pier?
The individuals involved were Deputy Maxwell Hammond of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and 51-year-old Gary Gates from Evansville, Indiana.
What led to the shooting incident?
During the “Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow” event, Gary Gates approached deputies, expressed a desire to be shot, and advanced toward them with a knife after being commanded to drop it, prompting Deputy Hammond to discharge his firearm.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The San Diego Police Department is investigating the incident. Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if any criminal liability exists regarding Deputy Hammond’s actions. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are also monitoring the investigation.
How can I provide information about the incident?
Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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