San Diego – 32-year-old Jacob Lyle Epple was fatally shot by San Diego police on May 31, 2025, following a vehicle crash and an encounter in the Ocean Beach neighborhood.
Incident Details
The incident began around 9:15 a.m. when San Diego Police Department officers responded to a welfare check regarding a man standing in the street and blocking traffic on the 4400 block of Coronado Avenue. The man, later identified as Epple could be heard making suicidal statements before fleeing in a black sedan, before crashing into another vehicle at Bermuda and Ebers Street.
After the collision, witnesses say Epple exited the car and advanced on officers with a knife. An officer fired multiple rounds, striking him. Epple was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Both the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident.
Rising Concerns About Police Use of Force
This shooting adds to the growing number of fatal police encounters in California. According to data from the California Department of Justice, there were over 150 officer-involved shootings across the state in 2023 alone. Studies show that the U.S. continues to have one of the highest rates of fatal police shootings among developed countries.
Under California law, the use of deadly force by officers is governed by Penal Code § 835a, which limits such force to situations where it is “necessary” to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
Seeking Accountability for Officer-Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Jacob Lyle Epple.
The loss of life in any police encounter is devastating, especially when families are left with unanswered questions. At The Sehat Law Firm, we stand with families who seek justice after an officer-involved shooting. We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are held accountable when excessive force is used.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
