Bodycam footage shows police shooting armed passenger during traffic stop

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Disturbing bodycam footage shows six police officers in San Diego County unloading their weapons on a car passenger who grabbed his gun and fired during a tense traffic stop encounter. The 33-year-old passenger, Andre Raphael Mendez, was killed after deputies repeatedly ordered him to drop his pistol. The incident began when a deputy stopped the vehicle for a broken taillight and discovered the passenger was using a fake name and the car may have been stolen.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges police face when encountering armed suspects during routine traffic stops, as well as ongoing debates around use of force policies and de-escalation tactics. The release of the bodycam footage also provides transparency around a deadly encounter between law enforcement and a civilian.

The details

According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, the events leading up to the shooting started when a deputy stopped the red Hyundai Sonata on February 18 for a broken taillight. The passenger, Andre Raphael Mendez, gave the officer a fake name, and a check of the vehicle suggested it could be stolen. Mendez became uncooperative, rolling up his window and refusing commands to lower it. He then reached for a gun on the floorboard, prompting six deputies to open fire after he raised the weapon and fired.

• The traffic stop occurred on February 18, 2026.
• The deadly shooting took place shortly after the stop, when Mendez reached for his gun.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The San Diego Sheriff's Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and the six deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe.