Officers find report of shots fired at Naval Hospital San Diego unfounded

SAN DIEGO - An apparently unfounded report of shots fired this morning, Tues., Jan. 26, at Naval Medical Center San Diego in Balboa Park prompted a lockdown of the facility and nearby schools as law enforcement officers flooded the area and police dogs searched the hospital complex.

Around 8 a.m., a witness reported hearing three shots come from the basement of NMCSD Building 26, which houses a gym and barracks, according to Navy Region Southwest.

Military police and service dogs conducted an initial search, then turned to a more thorough floor-by-floor sweep, according to Navy officials. SWAT teams cleared buildings, and no evidence of a shooting was found, authorities said.

"We did an initial clearing of (Building 26) and found nothing that ... would indicate any kind of dangerous situation,'' Capt. Curt Jones, commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego, told reporters during a late-morning briefing. "But we are going back through, and now we're actually extracting people out of the building and ensuring that there is no threat.''

Military police also did sweeps of other parts of the medical center complex as a precaution.

"In an incident like this, it's not uncommon to get other pieces of information which suggest potentially a threat in a different area,'' Jones said. "We have gone and pursued every other piece of information to ensure that there is no threat or danger at any other location.''

Officials at the facility, commonly known as Balboa Hospital, initially urged those there to "run, hide or fight,'' as law enforcement officers swarmed the compound. Others, including non-emergency response personnel, were asked to stay away.

Authorities at Naval Base San Diego said via Facebook those in the vicinity should shelter in place.

"If in immediate danger, hide or seek shelter in secure space,'' the message stated. "Barricade the door and dial 911. Silence phones and other devices. Stay away from doors and windows. Remain calm and quiet.''

Shortly after 9 a.m., Navy officials announced that the entire complex had been secured, including its childcare facilities, and no one was being allowed access. All children were said to be accounted for and safe.

Nearby Roosevelt Middle, and Garfield and San Diego High schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution, according to the San Diego Unified School District. The lockdown was later lifted, as was a subsequent order for students to shelter in place.

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SD hospital shooter causes shutdown of surrounding schools

SAN DIEGO – A report of shots fired this morning, Jan. 26, at Naval Medical Center San Diego in Balboa Park prompted a lockdown of nearby schools, a warning to potential visitors to avoid the area and an order for those already at the complex to shelter in place.

The report of an active shooter in building 26, which houses the Security Pass and Decal office, was made around 8:15 a.m., according to Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Officials at the medical center, commonly known as Balboa Hospital, urged those already at the facility to "run, hide or fight.'' Others, including non-emergency response personnel, were asked to stay away from the compound on Bob Wilson Drive.

Nearby Roosevelt Middle, Garfield Elementary and San Diego High schools were placed on lockdown.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Navy officials announced that the entire complex had been secured, including its childcare facilities, and no one was being allowed access. All children were said to be accounted for and safe.