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2 Deputies Wounded in Encinitas Shooting

SWAT units are currently in a standoff with the suspect.

Updated at 7:52 a.m.

Also see: Suspect in Standoff Found Dead of Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Two sheriff's deputies were wounded in a shooting Wednesday in Encinitas, where the gunman was believed to be holed up in a house.

Find out what's happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Shots were fired in the 700 block of Del Rio Avenue, near Leucadia Boulevard, shortly after 3:30 p.m. as deputies searched for an auto theft suspect, according to the sheriff's department.

Members of the sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail were summoned to the area and had the place surrounded late this afternoon.

Find out what's happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patrol deputies were sent to the area about 1 p.m. on a report of a stolen vehicle, but could not immediately find the suspect. When deputies returned to the 700 block of Del Rio Avenue and tried to approach the suspect, they were fired on, sheriff's officials said.

One deputy was initially taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas with a leg wound, and was later transferred to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla where he underwent surgery, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore told reporters.

The other deputy was hospitalized with a glancing head wound and had been treated. It was unknown if he would be released tonight or kept overnight, according to Gore.

"Hopefully they'll both make full recoveries," Gore said.

Both deputies' family members were at the hospital. Neither deputy's name was released.

Homes south of Del Rio Avenue were evacuated as a precaution, sheriff's officials said. Del Rio Avenue was closed west of Leucadia and south of Saxony Road.     A sheriff's helicopter flew overhead and its crew made announcements, authorities said. Carlsbad police personnel also assisted with the SWAT call.

Sheriff's officials were advising the public to avoid the 700 block of Del Rio Avenue.

Stay with Patch for more information as it becomes available.


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