Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Marines Probe Artillery Mishap Over I-5 That Dented CHP Vehicle During Vance Visit

State officials seek a formal after-action review after a premature 155 mm detonation halted the Camp Pendleton demonstration.

Overview

  • CHP confirmed metal shrapnel from a live-fire round struck and damaged a patrol car assigned to Vice President J.D. Vance’s detail, with no injuries reported.
  • The Marine Corps suspended further firing and opened an investigation after the first of roughly 60 planned shells reportedly exploded midflight over the freeway.
  • Officers recovered 1–2 inch fragments, conducted safety sweeps on both directions of I-5, and reopened the roadway following checks.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a 17-mile I-5 closure on CHP safety advice, while the White House had asserted there were no public safety concerns.
  • CHP’s border division chief called such live-fire over an active freeway highly uncommon and recommended stronger federal–state–local coordination for future events.