San Diego/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on April 12, 2024
Escondido Family Fights Off Machete-Wielding Intruder, Suspect Jesse Martinez Detained with Serious InjuriesSource: Escondido Police Department

In the dead of night, an Escondido family experienced sheer terror as a machete-wielding intruder burst into their home, threatening their lives. According to a press release from the Escondido Police Department, the harrowing incident took place in the early hours on Camelia Street, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.

At approximately 1:35 AM, a panic-stricken 911 call routed Escondido officers to a home invasion in progress. Arriving within minutes, they found several individuals desperately fleeing the premises while two men valiantly struggled to subdue the armed assailant. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Jesse Angel Martinez, a parolee and registered sex offender, was apprehended with a knife protruding from his neck—an injury inflicted during the violent confrontation with the home's residents.

The police statement detailed how Martinez brandished a machete and had horrifyingly threatened to kill everyone in sight. In an act of self-defense, the residents fought back, and the situation escalated until the intruder was wounded. Three occupants of the house sustained injuries in the encounter but are recovering, with their conditions not believed to be life-threatening.

Escondido Fire Department Paramedics treated Martinez on the scene before transporting him to a hospital for further medical care. His injuries, though serious, were not deemed critical. Post-recovery, Martinez is facing severe charges, including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The police urge anyone with more information to reach out to Det. Hand at (760) 839-4985, referencing case 24003305.