San Diego Police Department Statement Re: Eric Kulakow Shooting
WARNING: The videos contain graphic images and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
The San Diego Police Department is committed to being open and transparent with the public. The following video is of a critical incident regarding an officer-involved shooting that took place on January 25, 2025, at 11600 Angelique Street, San Diego.
Critical Incident Video – OIS Man Points Gun At SDPD SWAT Team
San Diego, CA – March 25, 2025 — A tense standoff in a quiet San Diego neighborhood ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting after a man reportedly threatened multiple individuals with a firearm, prompting a major police response.
At approximately 12:09 p.m., San Diego Police officers responded to reports of a man pointing a handgun at construction workers in the 11600 block of Angelique Street. The same suspect also allegedly pointed the weapon at a pest control worker, who, fearing for his life, locked himself inside the back of his work truck to avoid harm.
Due to the escalating nature of the situation and the presence of a barricaded civilian, SDPD requested support from SWAT and Emergency Negotiations officers.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a 59-year-old white male, later identified as Eric Kulakow of San Diego, holding a semi-automatic pistol. Despite repeated commands from officers to drop the weapon, Kulakow refused to comply. Police quickly established a containment perimeter to prevent further threats to nearby residents.
As SWAT officers moved in to evacuate the pest control worker, Kulakow allegedly pointed his firearm in their direction. In response, two SWAT snipers—Officer Brandon Jordan, a 17-year SDPD veteran assigned to Central Division Patrol, and Officer Chris Lingenhol, a 10-year veteran assigned to Mid City Division—fired their rifles, striking Kulakow in the upper body.
Kulakow succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A handgun was recovered nearby. No officers or civilians were injured during the incident.
In line with the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit has assumed responsibility for the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Detectives are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The suspect’s motive remains under investigation.
Once the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit completes its review, the findings will be forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to assess whether the officers involved bear any criminal liability. Separately, the San Diego Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officers’ use of force.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or, after hours, at (858) 868-3200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.