Patrol car hit by shrapnel from artillery shell fired on I-5 from Camp Pendleton, CHP says

California Highway Patrol officials say a patrol vehicle was hit by shrapnel from an artillery shell fired Saturday. live shooting event at Camp Pendleton to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

The metal shards came from an “explosive ordnance fired over Interstate 5” that had “detonated prematurely overhead,” the CHP said in a news release. Fallen shrapnel damaged the patrol vehicle shortly after 1:45 p.m., the CHP said.

“The incident occurred in an area where CHP officers were supporting a traffic stop along I-5 near Camp Pendleton during an exceptional U.S. Marine Corps live-fire training demonstration over the interstate, and where the CHP had chosen to stop traffic during the live-fire exercise,” the CHP statement said.

No injuries were reported and CHP officers notified USMC personnel at the scene, who called off any additional live ammunition fire on the highway. The surrounding area was also swept by the police.

“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said Tony Coronado, chief of the CHP’s Border Division. “It is very rare for a live fire or explosives training activity to occur on an active highway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”

CHP officers filed an internal report on the incident, recommending additional after-action review to strengthen protocols and communication between federal, state and local governments for any future demonstrations or training near public roadways.

A Marine Corps spokesperson told CBS News the incident was under investigation.

“We are aware of the report of a possible airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery shell outside the designated impact zone during the United States Marine Corps Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton, California, on October 18,” a USMC statement said. “The protest underwent a rigorous security assessment and deliberate redundancies to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. In accordance with established security protocols, shooting was suspended. No injuries were reported and the protest ended as planned. An investigation has been launched. We are committed to determining the root cause of the incident and applying the findings to future missions.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the incident on social media.

“Donald Trump and JD Vance put lives at risk to make a spectacle,” he wrote on X. “If you want to honor our troops, open up the government and pay them.”

The event caused some controversy in Southern California, as the busy stretch of highway was closed between Harbor Drive and Basilone Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The decision was only announced on Saturday morning, despite speculation earlier in the week which drew criticism from Newsom.

The celebration brought together 15,000 service members and veterans, including Vice President JD Vance, a USMC veteran, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, to the sprawling military base that stretches from southern San Diego County to Orange County.