A man suspected of brandishing a gun remained hospitalized and in custody Thursday after being shot by an Escondido police officer on a bike path near the Escondido Transit Center.
The incident began shortly before 7:40 p.m. Wednesday. Police received a radio call of a person with a gun at the transit center, 700 West Valley Parkway, according to the San Diego Police Department, which is investigating the case under the terms of a 2022 agreement governing shootings involving local law enforcement.
When Escondido police arrived, they were immediately directed to a male walking near the center. As officers attempted to talk to him, he ran eastbound across Quince Street onto a bike path. They pursued him on foot.
The closest officer to the suspect ordered him to stop and drop the items in his hands, according to an SDPD news release.
After running approximately 100 feet down the bike path, the suspect turned towards the closest officer with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. The officer fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect. A revolver-style BB gun was located near where the suspect fell to the ground.
Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and transported the suspect to the hospital. The man, identified as Antonio Rosales, 34, sustained multiple gunshot wounds, but is expected to survive.
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 pursuit and shooting.
Rosales is being held on suspicion of brandishing a weapon in the presence of an officer and resisting arrest. While he continues to be treated, detectives are coordinating with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to conduct an arraignment in the hospital.
Anyone with information regarding the foot chase and shooting is asked to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
