Escondido – An Escondido Police Officer chased a suspect on foot, who was reportedly armed with a gun. The officer shot the suspect, who turned and faced him while holding a revolver style BB gun.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at approximately 7:38 p.m., the Escondido Police received a radio call of a person brandishing a gun at the Transit Center at 700 West Valley Parkway in Escondido. There was very limited information provided by the initial reporting party.
When Escondido Police arrived, they were immediately directed by people in the area to a male walking near the Transit Center. As officers attempted to contact him, he ran eastbound across Quince Street onto a bike path. Officers pursued him on foot. The closest officer to the suspect was giving him commands to stop and drop items he was holding in his hands.
After running approximately 100 feet down the bike path, the suspect turned quickly towards the closest officer with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. The officer fired his duty weapon multiple times, striking the suspect who went to the ground. Officers rendered aid until paramedics could arrive and transport the suspect to the hospital. The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds but is expected to survive his injuries.
The officer who fired his weapon has been employed by Escondido Police for approximately three years and is currently assigned to patrol. He was wearing a body worn camera that was activated at the time of the foot pursuit and shooting.
The suspect is identified as Antonio Rosales. He is a 34-year-old Hispanic male. He is currently under arrest for brandishing a weapon in the presence of an officer and resisting arrest. As he remains in the hospital being treated for his injuries, Detectives are coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office to potentially conduct an arraignment in the hospital.
San Diego Police Homicide Detectives were called to investigate per the countywide memorandum of understanding regarding officer involved shootings. While processing the scene, a revolver style BB gun was located near where the suspect went to the ground.
Officer involved shooting investigations are extremely thorough, as is the review process. When Homicide 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. The Escondido Police Department 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 Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
