News Summary
The Marine Corps is investigating a live-fire demonstration incident at Camp Pendleton where shrapnel struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle. No injuries were reported, but the event raised concerns about safety during military exercises over busy freeways. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the live-fire plan, emphasizing the potential risks to civilian safety. The CHP is reviewing the situation to improve communication with federal authorities. Traffic disruptions affected thousands of vehicles, resulting in significant delays.
Camp Pendleton, California – The Marine Corps has launched an investigation into an incident involving shrapnel from a live-fire demonstration that struck a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. This event took place during a live-fire exercise in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton on Saturday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but at least one CHP patrol vehicle sustained damage from the incident.
According to the CHP, an artillery round detonated overhead prematurely during the demonstration. The damaged patrol vehicle was part of a detail that was assisting in diverting traffic on Interstate 5 at the time of the incident. CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado characterized the occurrence as “an unusual and concerning situation,” emphasizing that live-fire activities above an active freeway are rare. Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis, spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, confirmed reports of an airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery shell that occurred outside the designated impact area.
Visual evidence from the CHP incident report revealed that the shrapnel punctured the hood of a patrol vehicle, with one fragment measuring approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. Additionally, a motorcycle officer found a piece of shrapnel measuring about 1 inch by half an inch near his unit. The debris fell while CHP officers were temporarily restricting traffic to ensure the safety of motorists during the live-fire demonstration.
California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced criticism regarding the plan to fire live munitions over the freeway, labeling it as a safety risk and an “absurd show of force.” He underscored the potential danger of the situation by stating that such an incident could have been fatal. A spokesperson for Newsom highlighted the urgent need for improved coordination and safety information from the White House about the military exercise. The White House did not promptly respond to requests for comment concerning the incident.
In the weeks leading up to this event, officials from the Trump administration had dismissed safety concerns related to the live-fire demonstration. Following the incident, Capt. Dreibelbis asserted that rigorous safety protocols had been adhered to, and live firing was suspended in line with safety measures implemented after the occurrence. The CHP announced plans to review the incident and enhance communication with federal authorities to prevent such events in the future. Newsom’s office has also called for an apology from the Trump administration, asserting that accountability is deserved by both Californians and all Americans.
The artillery round was fired from White’s Beach and was aimed northward, failing to clear the roadway, which led to its mid-flight detonation near Interstate 5. During the live-fire exercise, an electronic road sign on Interstate 5 stated “LIVE WEAPONS OVER FREEWAY,” alerting motorists. The closure of the freeway significantly disrupted traffic, causing delays and necessitating reroutes for daily commuters traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles.
The demonstration affected more than 80,000 vehicles and $94 million in freight along the impacted section of the highway. A temporary closure from just south of San Clemente to just north of Oceanside resulted in major traffic congestion, forcing motorists to endure lengthy detours. Officials, including Newsom and others, have stressed the importance of prioritizing civilian safety and maintaining clear communication regarding military exercises conducted in populated regions.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Marine Corps
- NBC News
- Google Search: Marine Corps California incident
- The Guardian
- Google Scholar: California Marines explosion
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: live-fire exercises
- Times of San Diego
- Google News: California freeway live-fire demonstration
- Los Angeles Times
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
