Artillery Shell Hits CHP Car on I-5 During Marine Demo

UPDATE: A live artillery shell detonated over California’s Interstate 5 on October 20, 2025, striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle during a Marine Corps demonstration, authorities report. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the patrol car sustained damage from debris, raising serious concerns about public safety during military training.

The incident occurred mid-air during a live-fire event at Camp Pendleton, part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration. CHP officers were on the scene supporting a traffic break when the shell detonated prematurely, prompting immediate action from officials.

“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” stated CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado, who is also an active Marine. He emphasized that it is “highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”

In response to the incident, the Marine Corps has confirmed they are investigating the premature detonation of the 155mm artillery round outside the designated impact area, as stated by spokesperson Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis. “The demonstration went through a rigorous safety evaluation,” Dreibelbis noted, reinforcing that established safety protocols were in place and firing was suspended post-incident.

The CHP has initiated an internal report and is recommending an after-action review to improve planning and coordination between federal, state, and local authorities for future military exercises near public roadways.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had closed the I-5 section as a precaution, expressed his outrage about the event. “This could have killed someone,” he stated. Newsom criticized the decision to conduct such demonstrations over busy highways, highlighting the dangerous implications of using military exercises in civilian areas.

As the situation develops, all additional live-fire demonstrations have been canceled to ensure public safety. The CHP and Marine Corps are expected to provide updates as investigations continue, focusing on how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

With the public’s safety at stake, citizens are urged to remain informed about military activities and their potential impact on civilian life. The incident has sparked significant public interest and concern, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols during military training exercises.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.