UPDATE: In a dramatic encounter, Escondido police officers have just been identified following a shooting involving a 54-year-old man armed with a knife. The incident unfolded around 12:10 p.m. on September 27, 2023, at a busy intersection on South Centre City Parkway near Felicita Avenue.
Authorities report that the man, later identified as Juan Ramos, was behaving erratically and approaching motorists with a knife, creating significant safety concerns. Officers from the Escondido Police Department (EPD) quickly responded to the scene after receiving multiple reports.
Upon arrival, two uniformed officers, Timothy Mills and Robert Bellamy, along with detective Jeffery Bolton, attempted to de-escalate the situation by instructing Ramos to drop the weapon. According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Ramos ignored their commands and charged at the detective with the knife, forcing all three officers to discharge their weapons.
The initial shots struck Ramos, but he fell, only to immediately rise and continue his advance toward the officers. This prompted a second round of gunfire, again hitting him. Despite being wounded, Ramos reportedly continued to hold onto the knife, complicating efforts to take him into custody. At one point during the confrontation, he made alarming statements indicating he wanted the officers to shoot him.
As the situation escalated, EPD officers resorted to firing sponge rounds to subdue Ramos. Eventually, one officer managed to disarm him, allowing paramedics with the Escondido Fire Department to transport Ramos to Palomar Medical Center. Fortunately, he is expected to survive his injuries.
The officers involved in the shooting were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during the incident, ensuring a thorough investigation. Ramos is now facing charges for allegedly assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon.
Authorities are actively seeking additional information regarding the incident and encourage anyone with details to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
This incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the critical importance of rapid response in high-stakes situations. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
