Chaos erupted in the parking lot of the El Cajon Police Department Headquarters on December 11 as an officer was struck and thrown into the air by a truck, prompting a lethal response from law enforcement. Details from a San Diego Police Department press release indicate that just before 1 p.m., during preparations for a retirement ceremony, a suspect, now identified as Benjamin Grube, intentionally drove a 2000 Toyota Tundra at officers. After colliding with a tree, Grube reportedly repositioned the vehicle to target the officers again. At that point, Sergeant Kevin Maxwell and Officer Evan Drescher fired their service weapons multiple times, fatally wounding Grube.
In a report provided by Hoodline, the injured sergeant and another officer confirmed that El Cajon Traffic Division's Officer Evan Drescher, with approximately six years of service, engaged the suspect as she maneuvered the truck toward them. Grube, who was in their 20s and is also known by their former name, Andrea Elizabeth Grube, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
Subsequent investigations into the officer-involved shooting have been launched. The incident was captured on surveillance video, and Drescher's body-worn camera was activated. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will review the homicide detectives' findings to assess any criminal liability on the part of the officers. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also monitor the investigation.
The two officers involved, Sergeant Maxwell, who is part of the El Cajon Patrol Division and has approximately twenty-eight years of tenure, and Officer Drescher, have been named in the ongoing investigations. While their actions are under review, the El Cajon Police Department has contacted the community, asking for patience as the matter is resolved. The public who might possess any pertinent information concerning the incident is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477, as mentioned in statements obtained by both San Diego Police Department and Hoodline.
