Shrapnel from Military Exercise Damages CHP Vehicle on I-5

During a live-fire military exercise at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, shrapnel from an artillery round prematurely detonated over Interstate 5, damaging a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The incident occurred shortly after the CHP detail had escorted Vice President JD Vance to the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary event at the base.

The CHP reported that the shrapnel, measuring approximately 2 inches by 2.5 inches, struck an unoccupied patrol vehicle, causing a small dent and scratch on the hood. Additionally, a CHP motorcycle was hit by smaller fragments, though no significant damage was reported. No injuries occurred during the incident.

Following the event, the Marine Corps suspended further live-fire exercises over the freeway and initiated an investigation into the premature detonation. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision to conduct live-fire exercises over a major highway, stating, "We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects."

The exercise had led to the closure of a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, a critical corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego, causing significant traffic disruptions. The closure was implemented to ensure public safety during the live-fire demonstration.