Gunfire was exchanged overnight Monday in Escondido at the end of a car chase, resulting in the death of the pursuit suspect and the hospitalization of a police officer.
The pursuit began sometime before 3 a.m. when law enforcement made a connection between the suspect and the recent homicide of 42-year-old Florencio Rodriguez, who was found shot to death in the driveway of his Vista home.
The suspect, who was identified as 39-year-old Ramona resident Roberto Salgado, is accused of shooting Rodriguez, who is the husband of his ex-girlfriend's sister, according to the Escondido Police Department. A motive was not released.
Authorities said Salgado attempted to evade authorities for some time early Monday, but the car chase ended near Mission Avenue and Gamble Street when the suspect’s vehicle was shut off. Law enforcement said Salgado and authorities exchanged gunfire, with one officer being shot on the left side of their chest and the suspect being struck four times.
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The suspect sustained injuries and was taken to an area hospital, where he later died.
A woman was found in Salgado's vehicle following the gunfire exchange. She was unhurt and taken into custody. It is unclear what, if any, relationship she had with the suspect.
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The injured officer, who was not identified, was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released from the hospital.
