OCEANSIDE–The Oceanside police department is currently investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred in the 1300 block of Moreno Way in Oceanside on March 22.

At approximately 10:37pm, an officer assigned to patrol attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of South Freeman Street and Vista Way.

The vehicle, driven by 20 year-old Brandon Lake, failed to yield and led the officer in a pursuit to the 1300 block of Moreno Way.

Once on Moreno Way, the vehicle made a U-turn and rammed the pursuing officer’s marked police vehicle head on. Lake then placed the vehicle into reverse and then into drive; once again ramming the officer’s vehicle. Lake backed up again before accelerating once more toward the officer who was now standing outside his patrol vehicle. The officer, fearing for his life, fired three rounds at the driver/vehicle as it approached.

The vehicle fled the area and was observed a short time later by other officers who attempted to stop it. The vehicle crashed into a fence near Alvarado and California Streets. Lake exited the vehicle and after a short foot pursuit, was taken into custody. He had not been shot.

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