Escondido – On Friday, November 3, 2023, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Escondido Police received a call stating that a male was sleeping in a sleeping bag on the porch of a mobile home in the 2500 block of East Valley Parkway and he did not belong there. As officers responded, the call was updated to state that the male had now gotten up and was pushing a blue motorcycle through the mobile home complex.
At approximately 6:50 a.m., two patrol officers from Escondido Police contacted a male matching the description from the radio call pushing a motorcycle inside the complex. They began speaking to him. During the contact, based on the information provided by the male, they learned he had a felony warrant for a parole violation out of Indiana.
As officers began to detain the male, he turned and began to run. He also began reaching into his waistband. The male then pulled a firearm from his waistband, pointed it across his body at the officers, and fired multiple rounds. Both of the officers fired multiple times at the male, striking him at least one time. The male fell on the ground next to some bushes. He then rolled over with the gun, again pointing it in the direction of officers, prompting one of them to fire several more rounds at him.
Officers requested additional officers and resources and were able to move forward and take the male into custody. A firearm was located near him. Officers began rendering aid, including CPR, until Paramedics arrived and transported the male to a local hospital. The male was pronounced deceased at the hospital. No officers were injured or struck by gunfire during this incident.
The male has been tentatively identified, but his identity will need to be confirmed by the San Diego County Medical Examiner. He is believed to be a 48-year-old White male from Indiana.
The involved officers are both currently assigned to patrol. One has been employed by Escondido Police for approximately six years. The other has been employed by Escondido Police for approximately one year.
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved-shooting investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for his actions. Escondido Police will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.