Fatal Shooting In Apartment In San Diego's Pacific Beach; Suspect Arrested

A tragic incident unfolded late Sunday night in an apartment in San Diego's Pacific Beach, resulting in one man's death and the arrest of another. 

A shooting took place at a residence on the 1600 block of Chalcedony Street, a location previously known to law enforcement due to a SWAT standoff in October 2024. According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), officers were dispatched to the scene around 10:15pm on Sunday, January 26, after a 911 call reported two men fighting, followed by gunfire. An ambulance and fire engine were also on the premises. 

Upon arrival, officers encountered a man just outside the condo who was in possession of a firearm. He was detained without incident. Inside the condo, in one of the bedrooms, they found a 51-year-old white male with at least one gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention from officers and paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. However, the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Richard Herrman, was arrested on charges of murder and weapons violations. Herrman has been booked into jail, and the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the details leading up to the shooting.

This incident marks the second significant police response to this address within months. Last October, the same apartment was the site of a disturbance where drugs and paraphernalia were discovered, leading to a SWAT standoff. During that incident, SDPD detained 27-year-old Zackerie Herrman. 

Police believe that both individuals involved in the incident either resided at or had previously stayed in the condo, suggesting they were known to each other. The exact nature of their relationship and the motives behind the altercation remain under investigation. During Sunday's investigation, police again found narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the apartment, hinting at possible ongoing drug-related activities. 

SDPD Homicide Detectives are piecing together the events that led to this fatal encounter. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who might have information about the incident or the activities at the condo in recent months. The community is urged to assist by providing information to the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477, where anonymity can be maintained.

Originally published on January 27, 2025.