A jeweler in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, fired a gun during a blitz burglary, forcing the thief to flee. No injuries were reported and the suspect is still at large.

SAN DIEGO, CA (3 minutes read) — A jeweler in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, fired a shot into the ceiling during a lightning break-in at his store. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Bernardo Center Drive, just east of Interstate 15, according to San Diego police Lt. John Buttle.

The robbery began when a suspect used a hammer to smash two display cases, stealing valuable jewelry. The thief’s actions frightened a store employee, whose scream alerted the owner, who was in the back room. The owner realized the seriousness of the situation, armed himself, and quickly approached the intruder.

To deter the thief, the owner fired a single shot into the ceiling. The suspect, described as a heavyset man between 5’10” and 6’10” tall, immediately fled the scene. Witnesses noted that he was wearing a black hat, a blue-green camouflage mask, gloves, a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants.

The exact value of the stolen items is still unclear. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Although firing warning shots may seem like a quick method to deter a threat, it is generally not recommended due to the significant risks involved. Warning shots can have unintended consequences, such as injury or property damage, as bullets fired into the air or into objects can ricochet unpredictably.

In addition, discharging a firearm in this manner may escalate a situation rather than defuse it, potentially endangering bystanders or increasing the threat.

In many jurisdictions, firing warning shots can also have legal consequences, as the use of a firearm is often strictly regulated and can be considered an inappropriate use of deadly force. Rather than relying on warning shots, individuals should be trained to carefully assess situations and only use their firearm as a last resort when life is in immediate danger.

Safety tip: Always make sure your firearm is stored securely and only people trained in its use have access to it. Review and practice your emergency plan regularly to be prepared for any situation.