Crime

Sheriff Releases Body Cam Video of Deadly San Marcos Traffic Stop Shooting

By Santee Pulse Staff ยท Published March 14, 2026 ยท 3 min read
Sheriff Releases Body Cam Video of Deadly San Marcos Traffic Stop Shooting
Photo: Times of San Diego (file photo)

San Diego County Sheriff's officials released body camera and witness video footage Friday in connection with the Feb. 18 officer-involved shooting that killed a 33-year-old Oceanside man during a traffic stop in San Marcos.

The man killed was identified as Andre Raphael Mendez. The incident began when SDSO Deputy Sean Dwyer pulled over a red Hyundai Sonata for an inoperative taillight in the 600 block of North Twin Oaks Valley Road. Mendez was a passenger in the vehicle, which was being driven by a 21-year-old woman.

During a routine record check, the deputy found inconsistencies between the car's license plate and its vehicle identification number, suggesting the vehicle may have been stolen. After noticing damage to the steering column, Dwyer called for backup.

With additional deputies on scene, Mendez โ€” who had given a false name โ€” allegedly rolled up his window and ignored repeated commands. Video footage shows a tense 90-second standoff during which deputies removed the driver from the vehicle and Mendez refused to drop a handgun he'd picked up from the car floor.

After a deputy shattered the window next to Mendez with a baton, Mendez allegedly fired a round at officers. Deputies Sean Dwyer, Jake Brown, Chalit Caranto, Thomas Cook, and Justin Tesar โ€” along with Palomar College reserve officer Kyle Hodges โ€” returned fire. Despite lifesaving efforts, Mendez died at the scene. No officers were injured. The released footage includes body-worn camera video and a cellphone recording from a nearby witness.

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