Escondido CA— At approximately 1:30 a.m., February 7, 2019, officers from the Escondido Police Department responded to a disturbance call in the 1400 block of Rincon Villa Dr., in Escondido. During the disturbance, a male suspect, identified as Jose Martin Torres, 36 of Oceanside, fired gunshots at the scene. Responding officers observed the suspect in a vehicle and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
Officers deployed a tire deflation device on the suspect vehicle in the area of the I-15 Freeway and the Deer Springs Rd. off ramp, which was successful. After exiting the freeway, Torres drove to Mesa Rock Rd., just north of Deer Springs Rd., and stopped his vehicle in the street. Torres exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued Torres on foot and, during the foot pursuit, Torres allegedly fired gunshots at the pursuing officers. One Escondido Police Officer returned fire and struck the Torres.
The officers took Torres into custody and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in custody at the Vista Detention Facility for 187(A) PC – Attempted Murder in the First Degree, and being held without bail.
A gun was located at the scene on Mesa Rock Rd. There are no outstanding suspects for this incident. During the foot pursuit, two Escondido Police Officers received minor injuries. They were treated at a local hospital and released.
The facts surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit. The investigation is ongoing.