Security guard fatally shot near Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach; no arrest

San Diego police say a 31-year-old security guard working at Crystal Pier died after being shot around 2 a.m. Monday. No suspect is in custody.

By Claudia · Oct 5, 2026

A 31-year-old security guard working at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach was shot around 2 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, and later died at a hospital, San Diego police said, according to NBC 7 and Times of San Diego.

Police have not released his name pending notification of family. No suspect description has been released and no one is in custody; the motive is unknown. Bar workers and patrons helped the man after the shooting, and some people tried to chase the shooter, NBC 7 reported. Lt. Chris Leahy said it was unclear whether the suspect fled on foot or in a vehicle.

SDPD believes there is no ongoing threat to the public. Homicide detectives are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses. Times of San Diego quoted Crystal Pier Hotel co-owner Julie Neal as saying guests loved him.

Anyone with information can call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

How this story was made: drafted with AI assistance, then checked line by line against the sources below by a San Diego Insight editor before publishing. Our standards.