An officer-involved shooting transpired in Escondido after police responded to calls of a man, later identified as 54-year-old Juan Ramos, reportedly walking in traffic and approaching vehicles while armed with a knife. The San Diego Police Department, via a press release, reported that the incident occurred yesterday, at approximately 12:10 PM on South Centre City Parkway.
Arriving on the scene near Felicita Avenue, two Escondido Police Officers and one detective found Ramos creating a traffic hazard, ignoring commands to relinquish his knife. As reported by the San Diego Police Department, Ramos charged the detective, prompting all three officers to discharge their weapons, striking Ramos, who, even after falling to the ground, continued to advance towards them, wielding the knife.
The situation escalated, leading to a second discharge of weapons by the officers. It wasn't until additional police arrived and used less lethal sponge rounds that the knife was dislodged from Ramos' grasp, allowing officers to provide medical aid. Ramos, charged with assaulting a peace officer, is expected to survive his injuries and has been transported to Palomar Medical Center for treatment.
The involved officers have served for varying lengths of time—one for 8 months, another for 17 years, and the detective for approximately 3 years. The body-worn cameras, reportedly equipped and activated by the uniformed officers at the time of the incident, may offer a clearer picture of the confrontation. As stated by the San Diego Police Department, standard procedure after such incidents includes an investigation by San Diego Homicide Detectives, review by the District Attorney's Office, an administrative investigation by the Escondido Police, and federal oversight.
For those with additional information on the incident, contact with the Homicide Unit is encouraged through their line at (619) 531-2293 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
