Andre Raphael Mendez, Obituary- Death, San Marcos, CA, Shooting
It is with solemn reflection that we report the death of Andre Raphael Mendez, a 33-year-old man who has died following an officer-involved shooting during a late-night traffic stop in San Marcos, California, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The incident has drawn significant attention as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the situation began shortly after 9 p.m. when a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a red Hyundai Sonata along the 600 block of North Twin Oaks Valley Road for a vehicle code violation. The car was being driven by a 21-year-old woman, with Mendez as the passenger.
During the stop, deputies conducted a records check and discovered discrepancies between the vehicle’s license plate, VIN, and Department of Motor Vehicles registration records. Visible damage to the steering column further raised concerns that the vehicle may have been stolen, prompting additional deputies to respond to the scene.
Authorities report that Mendez became uncooperative during the interaction, refusing to comply with commands and rolling up the window. Moments later, he allegedly reached toward the floorboard and armed himself with a semiautomatic handgun. Deputies quickly moved to remove the driver from the vehicle to ensure her safety while continuing to issue commands for Mendez to surrender.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, deputies deployed tasers; however, these measures were reportedly ineffective. Officials state that Mendez then fired two rounds from inside the vehicle. In response, five deputies and one Palomar College Reserve Police officer discharged their firearms, striking him.
Law enforcement personnel immediately removed Mendez from the vehicle and began life-saving measures. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies or bystanders were injured, and the driver was unharmed and is cooperating with investigators.
The incident remains under active investigation, as is standard in officer-involved shootings. Authorities are expected to review body camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events.
At this time, the family will share details regarding any obituary, funeral arrangements, memorial service, or celebration of life as appropriate. It is important to note that not all information currently available may be fully confirmed, and updates may follow as additional verified details are released.
Disclaimer: Information here is for general informational purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability are not guaranteed, and details may change as new information becomes available.