The deputy involved in a shooting in Encinitas following a pursuit of a burglary suspect was identified on Thursday.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) says that Deputy Giovani Pantoja has served in the department for four years. Pantoja is assigned to the Vista Sheriff's Patrol Station.
On Monday, deputies spotted Joseph Ramos, 35, on Orchard Wood Road, near an area where a residential burglary was reported.
When deputies attempted to stop him, Ramos drove off in his truck and then abandoned it at Rancho Santa Fe Road and Manchester Avenue. He then held a 27-year old father and 7-year old son at gunpoint, carjacked their vehicle and led deputies on a pursuit which ended on the 1500 block of Leucadia Boulevard near N Vulcan Avenue.
Ramos got out of the car and pointed a gun at Deputy Pantoja who fired several rounds, hitting him twice.
According to SDSO, Ramos drove for about 12 miles with the father and son in the backseat of the car.
He was taken to the hospital and later arrested after his release.
Local
Ramos was wanted on a felony warrant in connection to 19 robberies involving stolen guns, according to SDSOLt. Ken Nelson.
NBC 7 learned that Ramos is also believed to be the suspect wanted for a robbery in Escondido. He was captured on video via a doorbell camera across the street from where the burglary took place.
Ramos was booked into county jail on charges of kidnapping, carjacking, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and an outstanding felony warrant.
