D.A. defends not releasing details

Dist. Atty. Bonnie Dumanis said Thursday she understands the public’s frustration with her office and the Oceanside Police Department for not releasing details about the March 15 incident in which an off-duty San Diego police officer shot and wounded a woman and her young son in their car. But she said that releasing information could jeopardize the investigation.

In a television interview, Dumanis suggested that the investigation was being hampered by Rachel Silva’s refusal to talk to police. Silva and her 8-year-old son were shot by Officer Frank White. She has filed a damage claim with the city of San Diego alleging that White was enraged.

In a statement released to reporters, Dumanis said that “until all facts are in, we will not rush to judgment about the guilt or innocence of either party involved -- and neither should the public.”

Police have not released the result of the blood-alcohol test given to Silva, who has had two drunk-driving violations. Authorities are also withholding recordings of the 911 calls made by Silva and White’s wife during the confrontation in which White fired five times at Silva’s vehicle.

White remains on paid leave. The incident occurred in a shopping mall parking lot in Oceanside.

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-- Tony Perry