San Diego Police Officer Shoots Hatchet-Wielding Man After Library Rampage

 

San Diego, California – May 8, 2025: A chaotic and dangerous situation unfolded at a public library in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood after a man armed with a hatchet caused a violent disturbance, leading to an officer-involved shooting. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old William Hanley, was taken to the hospital for treatment following the incident. No officers or civilians were injured.

The incident began around 4:18 p.m. when the San Diego Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from inside the Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, located at 4275 Cass Street. The caller reported that a man was inside the building, acting aggressively and armed with a hatchet. Responding officers were immediately dispatched to the location.

Surveillance footage from inside the library later confirmed the severity of the situation. The video showed Hanley approaching the circulation desk and brandishing the hatchet in a threatening manner toward a library employee behind the counter. Moments later, he walked into the adult computer area and began swinging the weapon, slashing at power cords attached to several unoccupied computer stations.

The violence escalated as Hanley verbally confronted a library patron in the adult reading area. Without provocation, he smashed a computer screen with the hatchet and then moved to vandalize yet another computer nearby. His behavior appeared increasingly erratic and aggressive as he continued moving through the facility.

After the outburst inside the library, Hanley exited the building and walked into the surrounding neighborhood. Officers located him a short time later in the 4300 block of Dawes Street, just a few blocks from the library. Hanley was walking down the sidewalk, still armed with the hatchet, when officers arrived on the scene.

Police officers gave multiple verbal commands, instructing Hanley to stop, raise his hands, and drop the weapon. Rather than comply, Hanley responded defiantly. According to body-worn camera footage and officer reports, Hanley told officers, “No. I'm going to create a scene and the whole world sees it.” His statement indicated an intent to escalate the situation in front of bystanders or possibly provoke a violent confrontation.

Despite repeated efforts by officers to de-escalate the situation, Hanley continued to ignore commands and refused to surrender. As Officer Bloemendaal approached, Hanley suddenly raised the hatchet above his head in what officers perceived as a threatening and aggressive move. Fearing for their safety and the safety of those nearby, Officer Bloemendaal discharged his service weapon, striking Hanley.

Following the shooting, officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and disarm Hanley. Immediate medical aid was rendered at the scene, and paramedics were called to provide emergency treatment. Hanley was then transported to a local hospital, where he received further medical care. Authorities later confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening.

The area was cordoned off for several hours as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and the surveillance video from inside the library. The hatchet used by Hanley was also recovered.

Officials with the San Diego Police Department confirmed that no officers or uninvolved civilians were injured during the incident. The department has initiated a standard internal review of the officer-involved shooting, and Officer Bloemendaal has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is routine in these cases.

Authorities say the investigation will determine whether Hanley faces criminal charges once his medical condition stabilizes. Meanwhile, police have praised the quick and professional actions of the responding officers, which they say helped prevent further harm to the public.