Patrol car struck by shrapnel from artillery round fired over I-5 from Camp Pendleton, CHP says

California Freeway Patrol officers say {that a} patrol automobile was struck by shrapnel from an artillery spherical that was fired throughout Saturday’s live-fire occasion at Camp Pendleton to rejoice the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. 

The metallic shrapnel got here from an “explosive ordnance fired over the Interstate 5 freeway” that had “detonated overhead prematurely,” CHP stated in a information launch. The falling piece of shrapnel broken the patrol automobile simply after 1:45 p.m., CHP stated. They stated that it left a dent and a scratch on the hood of the automotive. 

“The incident occurred in an space the place CHP officers have been supporting a site visitors break alongside I-5 close to Camp Pendleton throughout an distinctive U.S. Marine Corps live-fire coaching demonstration over the freeway, and the place the CHP had elected to cease site visitors through the live-fire train,” stated CHP’s launch. 

No accidents have been reported, and CHP officers knowledgeable USMC personnel on the scene, who canceled any extra firing of reside ordnance over the freeway. The encompassing space was additionally swept by regulation enforcement. 

“This was an uncommon and regarding state of affairs,” stated a press release from CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado. “It’s extremely unusual for any live-fire or explosive coaching exercise to happen over an lively freeway. As a Marine myself, I’ve great respect for our army companions, however my foremost duty is making certain the security of the folks of California and the officers who shield them.” 

One of many officers who was on the scene when the shrapnel fell described the sound as “‘pebbles’ falling on his CHP BMW motorbike,” based on the incident report filed on Saturday.

CHP officers filed an inner report on the incident, recommending a further after-action evaluate to strengthen additional protocols and communication between federal, state and native authorities for any future demonstrations or coaching close to public roadways. 

A spokesperson for the Marine Corps instructed CBS Information that the incident was underneath investigation. 

“We’re conscious of the report of a attainable airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery spherical exterior the designated influence space through the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton, CA, Oct. 18,” stated a press release from USMC, partially. “The demonstration went via a rigorous security analysis, and deliberate layers of redundancy, to make sure the security of fellow residents. Following established security protocols, firing was suspended. No accidents occurred and the demonstration concluded as scheduled. An investigation has been initiated. We’re dedicated to figuring out the incident’s root trigger and making use of findings to future missions.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the incident on social media. 

“We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, however subsequent time, the Vice President and the White Home should not be so reckless with folks’s lives for his or her self-importance initiatives,” stated Newsom’s publish on X.

The occasion brought about some controversy in Southern California because the closely traveled stretch of freeway was closed between Harbor Drive and Basilone Street from 11 a.m. to three p.m. The choice was not introduced till Saturday morning, regardless of hypothesis earlier within the week that drew criticism from Newsom. 

The celebration introduced 15,000 army personnel and veterans collectively, together with Vice President JD Vance, a USMC veteran, and Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth on the sprawling army base that spans from southern San Diego County to Orange County.