Manhunt underway after Escondido police officer shot, injured

A massive manhunt was underway in Escondido early Monday after an Escondido police officer responding to a domestic violence call was shot and injured by a man armed with a high-powered rifle, authorities said.

Officers were called to a home on Morning View Drive near West El Norte Parkway shortly after 2:45 a.m. by someone reporting a domestic violence disturbance. When officers arrived, they were told the man involved in the incident had left his home with a rifle.

The shooting was reported shortly after 3 a.m. after officers contacted a man driving near Reidy Creek south of Lincoln Avenue. The officer who was shot was taken to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, according to a statement released by the Escondido Police Department.

A countywide call for mutual aid was broadcasted over police radios, prompting a huge law enforcement response from agencies in the region.

A sheriff's helicopter aided in the search from the air as officers blocked off streets and hunted for the gunman.

Police said they were looking for 27-year-old Anastasia Rosas Jr., who is described as Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 125 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and shorts.

"He was last seen in the area of Morning View Drive and Lincoln Avenue," the department said in a statement. "He is outstanding and is believed to be armed and dangerous. If you see the suspect, call 911."

Several streets in the area have been closed to traffic while officers search for the gunman. Centre City Parkway is closed from El Norte Parkway to Mission Avenue. In addition, southbound Interstate 15 to eastbound state Route 78 and northbound I-15 to eastbound SR-78 were closed.

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune.

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