Sheriff’s deputy arrested for drunk driving after attempting to enter Coronado Naval Base

A San Diego sheriff’s deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he attempted to breach the security gate of a naval base on Friday night, prompting guards to shoot his car, authorities said

Sergeant Michael Cruz, who was off duty, attempted to drive past the main gate of Naval Air Station North Island, part of Naval Base Coronado, without permission around 10:30 p.m., the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said.

There were no injuries.

Cruz was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. He was released on his own and placed on administrative leave while an internal affairs investigation continues, the sheriff’s department said.

“The sheriff’s department will not tolerate criminal behavior within its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions,” the department said in a statement.

In February 2022, a motorist with bomb-making materials was found at the same base gate. The materials were not assembled into a device and the driver was held for questioning, the base said at the time.

Coronado Naval Base is one of the Navy SEALS’ training facilities.

With postal wires