UPDATE: In a dramatic confrontation, Escondido police officers shot a 54-year-old man allegedly armed with a knife during an incident last Wednesday. The man, identified as Juan Ramos, was reported acting erratically at approximately 12:10 p.m. at the intersection of South Centre City Parkway and Felicita Avenue.
Authorities confirm that Ramos created significant traffic hazards while approaching motorists with a knife, raising serious safety concerns for the public. Officers from the Escondido Police Department swiftly responded to the scene where they attempted to de-escalate the situation by instructing Ramos to drop the weapon.
As the officers approached, Ramos ignored their commands and charged at a detective, prompting all three officers to fire their weapons, striking him. Despite being hit, Ramos managed to get back to his feet and continued to advance with the knife, leading to a second volley of shots from the uniformed officers.
In a statement, the San Diego Police Department noted that Ramos made alarming comments during the encounter, suggesting he wanted the officers to shoot him. This adds a troubling layer to the already tense situation.
To subdue him, officers resorted to firing sponge rounds. Eventually, an officer was able to wrest the knife from Ramos’s grip. Paramedics from the Escondido Fire Department transported him to Palomar Medical Center, where he is expected to survive his injuries.
The officers involved have been identified as Timothy Mills, who has served on the force for about eight months, and Robert Bellamy, a veteran officer with 17 years of service. Detective Jeffery Bolton, with three years at the department, was also part of the response team. All officers were equipped with body-worn cameras that recorded the incident.
Ramos is now facing charges for allegedly assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
As investigations continue, this incident raises critical questions about public safety and police response in volatile situations. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
