On June 22, 2023, at approximately 11:56 p.m., Oceanside Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of a family disturbance and gunshots in the 500 block of Fredricks Avenue in Oceanside, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 34-year-old Kimberly Foster inside a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Foster succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the primary suspect as 28-year-old Dorian Larkin, with whom Foster had been in a romantic relationship. Evidence collected at the scene indicated that Larkin was responsible for Foster's death. A few hours later, at approximately 2:38 a.m. on June 23, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office located Larkin's vehicle near Interstate 15 and Winchester Road in Temecula. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Larkin failed to yield, leading to a pursuit through Fallbrook and back into Oceanside.
The chase concluded in the parking lot of a strip mall in the 500 block of Vandegrift Boulevard in Oceanside, where Larkin exited his vehicle and opened fire on pursuing officers, striking at least one police vehicle. In response, an Oceanside Police officer and a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy returned fire. Larkin then fled on foot, with officers in pursuit. At the intersection of Gold Drive and Sol Drive, Larkin was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as determined by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
The officers involved in the exchange of gunfire were identified as Oceanside Police Officer Malcolm Cisneros, a nine-year veteran of the department and current canine handler, and Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schweitzer, who had been with the sheriff's office for approximately two years and was assigned to patrol duties. Per standard protocol, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with oversight from the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to assess any potential criminal liability. Additionally, administrative investigations were undertaken by both the Oceanside Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office to review the officers' use of force during the incident.
This tragic event underscores the dangers associated with domestic violence situations and the critical challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to such volatile incidents. The loss of Kimberly Foster has had a profound impact on the Oceanside community, prompting discussions on the importance of addressing relationship violence and providing support to those affected.
