San Diego
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A 35-year-old man was shot by a police officer and critically wounded early Monday, San Diego police said.
Paulemon Rojas Mendez of San Diego underwent surgery Monday at UC San Diego Medical Center for gunshot wounds to the lower back and legs, a hospital spokeswoman said.
At 2 a.m., police answered complaints of gunshots in the 800 block of 22nd Street and found two armed men celebrating the Mexican holiday commemorating the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe by shooting into the air, Sgt. Ray Sigwalt said.
When officers approached, Mendez reportedly turned around and opened fire on them. Sgt. Jack Lilly shot Mendez.
Mendez’s companion was questioned Monday but was not arrested, Sigwalt said.
Police intend to book Mendez on suspicion of attempted murder, Sigwalt said.
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