Man Killed in Shootout with San Marcos Law Enforcement Identified

Authorities release video footage of deadly confrontation during traffic stop

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:38pm

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Authorities have identified the man killed in a shootout with law enforcement in San Marcos as 33-year-old Andre Raphael Mendez of Oceanside. The incident occurred on February 18 when a San Diego County Sheriff's deputy pulled over a vehicle for an inoperative taillight and discovered the car may have been stolen. After Mendez allegedly refused to comply with commands and reached for a gun, multiple officers opened fire, killing him.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement during routine traffic stops, especially when a suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous. It also raises questions about use of force policies and de-escalation tactics employed by police departments.

The details

According to authorities, the events unfolded when a San Diego County Sheriff's deputy pulled over a red Hyundai Sonata for a broken taillight. The deputy became suspicious that the vehicle may have been stolen after running the license plate and VIN, which appeared inconsistent with DMV records. When backup arrived, Mendez allegedly refused to lower the window next to him and reached down to pick up a handgun from the car's floor. Bodycam and witness footage shows deputies repeatedly ordering Mendez to drop the gun before one deputy broke the window. Mendez then allegedly raised the gun and fired a shot, prompting five sheriff's deputies and a Palomar College police officer to open fire, killing him.

  • The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on February 18, 2026.
  • Authorities released the video footage on March 14, 2026.

The players

Andre Raphael Mendez

A 33-year-old man from Oceanside who was killed in the shootout with law enforcement.

Sean Dwyer

A San Diego County Sheriff's deputy who initiated the traffic stop that led to the confrontation.

Jake Brown, Chalit Caranto, Thomas Cook, Justin Tesar

San Diego County Sheriff's deputies who opened fire on Mendez.

Kyle Hodges

A Palomar College reserve police officer who also opened fire on Mendez.

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What’s next

Authorities have not indicated any further investigation or actions related to this incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued dialogue and reform around police use of force policies, de-escalation tactics, and ways to safely resolve confrontations during traffic stops involving potentially armed suspects.