Sheriff's Office Releases Video of Fatal San Marcos Shooting

Authorities say car passenger Andre Mendez, 33, had a gun when deputies and a police officer shot and killed him.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Authorities have released video footage of a fatal shooting in San Marcos, California, where deputies and a police officer shot and killed a 33-year-old car passenger, Andre Mendez, on February 18. The video shows Mendez had a gun and fired at least one shot as a deputy shocked him with a Taser, prompting the officers to open fire.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about police use of force and the protocols around traffic stops involving armed individuals. The release of the video footage is part of efforts to increase transparency around officer-involved shootings.

The details

According to the video, a San Marcos-based deputy pulled over a red Hyundai Sonata for a broken brake light and a license plate that didn't match the vehicle. The passenger, Andre Mendez, gave the deputy a false name and was acting suspiciously. When other deputies and a Palomar College officer arrived, Mendez rolled up the window while reaching for something, prompting the officers to order him to show his hands. The officers then saw Mendez had a gun, and one deputy warned he would Tase Mendez. As the deputy deployed the Taser, Mendez appeared to fire his gun, leading the officers to open fire and kill him.

  • The incident occurred on February 18, 2026, just after 9 p.m.
  • The Sheriff's Office released the video footage on March 16, 2026.

The players

Andre Mendez

A 33-year-old Oceanside resident who was the passenger in the car and was fatally shot by deputies and a police officer.

Deputy Sean Dwyer

The San Marcos-based deputy who initially pulled over the vehicle.

San Diego Police Department

The department investigating the incident under a countywide agreement to prevent policing agencies from investigating themselves following a shooting.

Palomar College

The community college whose police officer was patrolling nearby and arrived at the scene.

San Diego County District Attorney's Office

The office that will review the incident to determine if any officers should be held criminally liable, as is standard in all officer-involved shootings.

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What’s next

The District Attorney's Office will review the incident to determine if any officers should be held criminally liable, as is standard in all officer-involved shootings.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and often tense situations that can arise during traffic stops, especially when a passenger is suspected of having a weapon. The release of the video footage is part of efforts to increase transparency around such incidents, though questions remain about the use of force by the officers involved.