An Escondido officer shot and killed a man, who was believed to be related to an earlier shooting, following a pursuit Friday, EPD Sgt. Heath said.
The earlier shooting was reported at around 5 p.m. near Rose Street and Valley Parkway. Escondido police said one vehicle allegedly shot at another vehicle occupied by a 20-year-old driver and a 15-year-old passenger. The vehicle shot then drove to Palomar Medical Center. The 20-year-old man was shot in the back but suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was later released from the hospital, Escondido police said.
At around 6:12 p.m., officers located the vehicle, described as a white Mercedes, believed to be involved in the shooting near Citrus Avenue and Washington Avenue, when a short pursuit started.
Officials said the pursuit ended at Bear Valley Parkway and Encino Drive when the shooting started.
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"I heard gunfire, maybe three to five shots, followed by rapid gunfire, maybe five to six shots," said Russell Davis, a witness.
What prompted police to open fire remained under investigation Friday evening.
Heath said the man sustained a "head injury from a gunshot wound" and was transported to a local hospital but later died.
The man was described as a 38-year-old Escondido resident.
According to EPD Lt. Bode Berreth, a semi-automatic 9mm handgun was recovered from the suspect, but can't confirm if he shot at officers.
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Investigators from the San Diego Police Homicide Unit were called to the scene.
The officer involved in the shooting was not injured. Escondido police did not release his name.
According to police, there is no known relationship between the suspect, the shooting victim, and the passenger.
This incident is under investigation.
No other information was available.
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