Cop Sends Naval Base into Lockdown as He Tries Ramming Through the Gate, Walks Free Hours Later
In yet another display of the potential dangers that lurk within the very institutions meant to protect us, a lockdown was imposed on Naval Base Coronado on Friday, March 17, as an off-duty deputy attempted to breach the main gate of Naval Air Station North Island. This is not an isolated incident, as it marks the second time this year that a military base in Southern California has experienced such a security breach.
According to reports, after 10 p.m. on that fateful Friday, Sgt. Michael Cruz from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department tried to force his way through the main gate while driving a vehicle without proper clearance. Despite the obvious risks, the driver did not slow down or stop, prompting base guards to open fire on the vehicle, bringing it to a halt. The base was immediately locked down, with all gates closed in response to the potential threat.
In a stunning example of the glaring double standards that exist within the law enforcement community, the suspect was taken into custody without any harm despite more than a dozen gunshots being fired during the incident, according to a witness who spoke to local news station NBC 7. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of rounds fired, but it's worth noting that no one was injured in this potentially lethal encounter.
The Coronado Police Department and Naval Criminal Investigative Service are now spearheading the investigation, while Cruz has been placed on administrative leave. In a statement acknowledging the arrest, the San Diego Sheriff's Department declared, "The Sheriff's Department will not tolerate criminal behavior in its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions."
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Despite the department's strong words, it remains to be seen if true accountability will be enforced, as Cruz has been released pending a court date. He was also booked for driving under the influence, further questioning the decision-making process of those who are supposed to protect and serve.
Imagine anyone else — who does not possess a badge — ramming the gate of a Naval base and walking free hours later. Yet Cruz had no problem walking out of the gates of the jail before the base gates even came off of lockdown.
According to reports, some gates at the base remained closed well into the weekend, with only the First Street gate being open on Saturday, according to the Coronado Police Department.
With a recent string of high-profile police DUI cases, like the police captain in Oklahoma who demanded officers turn off their body cameras while arresting him, the question remains whether these incidents are isolated cases or indicative of a broader pattern of recklessness. If history is any indicator, we feel it is the latter.
