An Orange County sheriff's deputy shot a man after a traffic stop near San Clemente High School early Tuesday, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 4:45 a.m., according to Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
The man, who was driving a white Yukon SUV, pulled over into the school parking lot at the west entrance off Avenida Pico. He drove deep into the parking lot and rammed through a swing gate that leads to the athletic fields, Amormino said.
The deputy subsequently shot him, but Amormino said it was unclear why. The reason for the traffic stop was also unknown.
UPDATE: On Wednesday, officials said the driver died from his wounds and was a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. .
At the scene hours later, the Yukon appeared to have front-end damage from the gate, and the driver's window appeared to be shot out.
Amormino said he didn't know whether the suspect exited the vehicle before he was shot.
The man was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Officials have not released information on his injuries. No deputies were wounded.
Amormino said he didn't know whether a second person was in the Yukon, but bloodhounds and a helicopter were still on scene at about 8:30 a.m. A deputy was stationed at the wall behind McDonalds where the drainage ravine passes the school.
As with all officer-involved shootings, the Orange County District Attorney will investigate the incident.
School operations will not be affected, Amormino said.
The Capistrano Unified School District sent out this information to parents this morning:
There is currently a law enforcement investigation closing a portion of the San Clemente High School parking lot. The trail from upper campus to lower campus is also closed. Students will be escorted through the neighborhood from upper to lower campus if necessary.
All regularly scheduled classes are in session today.
This incident did not occur during school hours nor did it involve any students. This investigation will cause some traffic congestion, so we recommend giving yourselves extra time to drop off or pick up your students today. When you arrive near campus, please follow the directions of law enforcement and school staff as we try to quickly and safely direct traffic to alternate parking and drop off areas.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the District hotline at 949-234-5575.
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