A San Diego police officer involved in the recent spate of misconduct allegations was found dead at his Clairemont Mesa home this morning, numerous local media are reporting.
David C. Hall, 41, was charged with driving drunk and felony hit-and-run following a February accident in Serra Mesa. Prosecutors say he injured the female driver of the other vehicle. He had pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to appear again in court this week.
CBS8 confirmed Hall’s death with his attorney and other local media have confirmed it with unnamed police sources. The Police Department has confirmed a death at the Clairemont Mesa home but not officially released the decedent’s name. Spokeswoman Lt. Andra Brown said more information about the incident will be provided this afternoon.
It’s unclear how he died. Channel 6 says police responded to reports of a gunshot this morning and found Hall lying in the backyard of his home.
After his arrest, police had placed Hall on administrative leave. He was one of three San Diego police officers accused of drunken driving this year and court records show that he voluntarily entered a substance abuse program after being charged.
The tragedy comes a week after San Diego police mourned the loss of Detective Donna Williams and her 18-year-old daughter, who were killed at their home July 18. Police found Williams’ 24-year-old son at the scene and suspect him of murdering both women.
Keegan Kyle is a news reporter for voiceofsandiego.org. He writes about public safety and handles the Fact Check Blog. What should he write about next?
Please contact him directly at keegan.kyle@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5668. You can also find him on Twitter @keegankyle and Facebook.