UNION-TRIBUNE
September 3, 2006
POWAY – Chargers linebacker Steve Foley was shot near his home early Sunday morning following a traffic stop by an off-duty
city of Coronado police officer.
Foley's injuries are not believed to be life threatening, said
sheriff's homicide Lt. Dennis Brugos. The shooting occured on
Travertine Court.
The Chargers issued a statement confirming the incident: “We have
confirmed that linebacker Steve Foley was shot early this morning.
We'll try to provide more information as it becomes available. Right
now all of our thoughts are with Steve.”
Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, reached by the Associated Press, said, “All we're worried about is that he's OK.”
About 3:30 a.m., the off-duty officer started following a suspected
drunk driver in the area of northbound Highway 163 and Highway 52,
Brugos said. The vehicle was described as weaving and its speed ranged
from 30 to 90 mph and nearly hit several vehicles, he said.
After stopping at a red light, the off-duty officer pulled
beside Foley, identified himself as a police officer, and ordered him
to pull over, but Foley drove away, Brugos said. Foley stopped again,
and got out of his car, approaching the officer, according to police.
The officer again identified himself, pulled out a gun, and ordered the
suspect several times to stop, Brugos said.
“However he continued to walk toward the officer, making the statement, 'That's a bb gun',” Brugos said.
Foley then got back into his car and the off-duty officer followed him to a cul-de-sac in Poway, where Foley lives.
Foley got out of the car and started walking toward the officer, while
his female passenger drove the car alongside him, Brugos said. The
officer identified himself again and then fired a warning shot into the
bushes, Brugos said. Brugos said the female then revved the engine and
drove directly at the officer, by then out of his car; the officer
fired two shots at Foley's vehicle. The officer was not hit by the car.
Foley reached into his pants with his right hand as he
approached the officer and the officer fired at the suspect. Foley
acknowledged he'd been shot, Brugos said, but continued to move toward
the officer, who fired again. Foley then fell to the ground.
Foley was taken to a hospital and the female passenger was taken to the Poway sheriff's station for questioning.
No charges have been filed, Brugos said.
He said it was unclear whether Foley was armed.
The Coronado Police Department referred questions to the Sheriff's Department.
Foley has had previous run-ins with law enforcement. Last week,
the San Diego County District Attorney's office said it would not
pursue charges against Foley for an incident in April. He was accused
of resisting arrest, battery on a police officer and being drunk in
public after an altercation on a University City street about 1:30 a.m.
April 21.
Foley signed with the Chargers as a free agent before the 2004
season, starting 13 games last season and missing three games with an
abdominal injury. He tied for third on the team with 4½ sacks.
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