SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A police officer was shot Monday morning after responding to a domestic violence incident in Escondido. Authorities confirmed that the suspect believed to be responsible for shooting the officer was found dead in a vacant apartment in Escondido, according to the Escondido Police Department.
At 7:45 a.m., the Escondido Police Department received information that the suspect, 29-year-old Anastasio Rosas Jr., was seen in a vacant apartment in the 700 block of West Lincoln. Crews quickly responded to the area. While they were responding, the sound of a gunshot was heard from within the apartment.
When police entered the apartment they found 29-year-old Anastasio Rosas Jr. who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe that Rosas was the only suspect being sought, and there is no further danger to the public.
The incident start around 2:45 a.m., when officers responded to a reported domestic violence disturbance at a home in the 1300 block of Lincoln Avenue and Morning View Drive, just west of Centre City Parkway, the Escondido Police Department said.
Watch the complete Escondido Police Department briefing held Monday, Feb. 22 at 1:00 p.m.
Officers learned a man involved in the disturbance left the home with "a high-powered rifle," the department reported.
Shortly after 3 a.m., officers found the man driving near Reidy Creek, south of Lincoln Avenue, then the man allegedly shot an Escondido police officer. The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment of at least one gunshot wound and was in stable condition, police said.
The injured officer is a 12 year veteran of the department. He was shot while sitting in his vehicle. He was treated for a gunshot wound to the left buttocks area and was released from Palomar Medical Center Monday. He is recovering at home and is said to be in good spirits.
Authorities released a photo of the suspected gunman, identified as Anastasio Rosas Jr.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the Escondido Police Department.
Authorities shut down the transition ramps from northbound and southbound Interstate 15 to eastbound state Route 78 as well as Centre City Parkway from El Norte Parkway to Mission Avenue during the investigation Monday morning.