Suspect Dies After Gunfire Erupts During I-5 Traffic Stop Near Weed

WEED, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2026) — A man died after he was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop along Interstate 5 in Northern California, authorities said Monday.

According to the Weed Police Department, the incident began Saturday, March 21, when an officer stopped a vehicle traveling northbound near the north Weed off-ramp for multiple vehicle code violations, including excessive window tint and an unsafe lane change.

During the stop, the officer requested assistance for a K-9 drug sniff. An officer from the Mt. Shasta Police Department responded to assist. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside a stereo speaker box, police said.

Authorities said the situation escalated when the suspect, who was seated in front of the patrol vehicle, allegedly produced a firearm from his waist and pointed it at the officer. An officer-involved shooting followed.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and received medical aid at the scene before being transported to a local hospital, identified as Dignity Health Mt. Shasta. He later died from his injuries, police said.

One officer sustained minor injuries after falling during the incident.

The California Highway Patrol Northern Division Major Accident Investigation Team is leading the investigation into the shooting.

Both involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation, in accordance with department policy.

The identity of the suspect has not been released pending notification of next of kin by the Siskiyou County Coroner’s Office.