SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Metal shrapnel from explosive ordnance that was fired over Interstate 5 during a U.S. Marine Corps live-fire training demonstration over the freeway Saturday struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the area where CHP officers were supporting a traffic break along I-5 near Camp Pendleton, according to law enforcement.
CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado called the incident “unusual” and a “concerning situation.”
“It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them,” Coronado said.
No injuries were reported, but the CHP vehicle hit by the shrapnel was damaged, authorities said.
Following the incident, CHP notified the Marine Corps, which then canceled firing additional live ordnance over the freeway. The area was also swept for further evaluation.
“The CHP has filed an internal report on the incident, with a recommendation to conduct an additional after-action review into the planning, communication and coordination between federal, state, and local government around the event on Saturday, October 18, to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways,” the press release from CHP read.
The live-fire exercise was part of a major event at Camp Pendleton that had Vice President JD Vance in attendance for the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration.
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