UPDATE: Escondido police have identified the officers involved in a dramatic shooting of a 54-year-old man wielding a knife during a confrontation last week. The incident unfolded at approximately 12:10 p.m. on October 25, 2023, when officers responded to reports of a man, later identified as Juan Ramos, acting erratically at a busy intersection.
Authorities from the San Diego Police Department revealed that Ramos approached drivers while armed with a knife, creating significant traffic hazards and safety concerns. Officers Timothy Mills and Robert Bellamy, along with detective Jeffery Bolton, quickly arrived at the scene, located Ramos, and ordered him to drop the weapon at the intersection of South Centre City Parkway and 13th Street.
In a shocking turn, Ramos ignored their commands and charged towards the detective with the knife, prompting all three officers to discharge their weapons, hitting him. Despite being struck, Ramos managed to get back on his feet and again advanced toward the officers, leading to a second round of gunfire that further incapacitated him.
During the confrontation, Ramos reportedly expressed a desire for the officers to shoot him, heightening the urgency of the situation. Officers then deployed sponge rounds in an attempt to subdue him. Finally, one officer was able to wrest the knife from Ramos’s grasp. Paramedics from the Escondido Fire Department transported Ramos to Palomar Medical Center, where he is expected to survive his injuries.
The officers involved in this tense encounter are relatively experienced, with Mills serving for about eight months and Bellamy for around 17 years. Detective Bolton has been with the department for approximately three years. Body-worn cameras were activated during the incident, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Ramos now faces charges for allegedly assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
This urgent situation highlights the dangers police face daily while maintaining public safety. As investigations continue, updates will be closely monitored and shared. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
