Artillery Shell Strikes CHP Car on I-5 During Live Demo

URGENT UPDATE: An artillery shell detonated over California’s Interstate 5 on October 20, 2025, striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) patrol car during a Marine Corps demonstration. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but significant damage occurred to the patrol vehicle, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded during a live-fire event at Camp Pendleton, part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Red Beach. The shell detonated prematurely mid-air while CHP officers were stationed on I-5 to support traffic management during the training, raising serious safety concerns.

Officials from the Marine Corps have been notified, and all subsequent live-fire demonstrations have been canceled in light of this alarming event. “This was an unusual and concerning situation,” stated CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado, an active Marine. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”

The demonstration showcased the operational capabilities of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and the U.S. Third Fleet, emphasizing the military’s ability to project combat power globally. However, the premature detonation raises questions about safety protocols. The CHP has filed an internal report and recommended an after-action review to improve planning and coordination for future events near public roadways.

In a statement to CNN, spokesperson Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis confirmed the Marine Corps is investigating the incident. “We are aware of the report of a possible airborne detonation of a 155mm artillery round outside the designated impact area during the event,” he said, emphasizing that the demonstration underwent rigorous safety evaluations and layers of redundancy to protect the public.

California Governor Gavin Newsom had already closed the affected section of I-5 as a precaution. Following the incident, he criticized the decision to conduct live-fire exercises over a busy highway. “This could have killed someone,” Newsom stated. His office highlighted the recklessness of using military resources to intimidate civilians, stating, “This is what the White House thought was fine to fly over civilians on a major freeway.”

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Marine Corps and CHP to ensure that safety measures are reinforced to prevent such dangerous incidents in the future. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as more details emerge from this startling event.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story progresses.