Escondido, California, February 5, 2026

An Escondido police officer critically injured a man outside a halfway house after the individual allegedly charged at him armed with a knife and stick. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, prompting an investigation by the San Diego Police Department and the California Department of Justice under Assembly Bill 1506. The suspect, Marcello Castillo Jr., remains in critical condition, while the officer involved, Thomas Lussenden, was unharmed. The community is urged to stay informed and get involved regarding public safety discussions.

Escondido Police Officer Shoots Armed Man Outside Halfway House

Escondido, California – An Escondido police officer shot and critically injured a man outside a halfway house early Tuesday morning after the individual allegedly charged at the officer while armed with a knife and a two-foot-long stick. The incident occurred around 4:20 a.m. in the 100 block of South Elm Street. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Marcello Castillo Jr. of Escondido, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. The officer involved, Thomas Lussenden, has been with the Escondido Police Department for 11 years and was not injured during the confrontation. The San Diego Police Department is investigating the shooting, as per standard procedure for incidents involving Escondido police officers. The California Department of Justice will also review the case under Assembly Bill 1506, which mandates independent investigations of officer-involved shootings resulting in death or injury. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Incident Details

Officers responded to reports of a man intentionally harming himself with a knife at the sober-living and community re-entry facility. After evacuating the facility, they attempted to negotiate with the man for about an hour, but he refused to surrender and eventually barricaded himself in a restroom. Approximately two hours later, the man emerged, carrying a stick and a knife. Officer Lussenden, positioned in an alley near the facility, confronted the man and ordered him to drop the stick. When the man charged at the officer, Lussenden fired his duty weapon multiple times, striking the suspect. The stick and a knife with a broken blade were recovered at the scene. The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The officer was unharmed. The San Diego Police Department is conducting the investigation, and the California Department of Justice will review the case under Assembly Bill 1506, which mandates independent investigations of officer-involved shootings resulting in death or injury. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Background

Under Assembly Bill 1506, the California Department of Justice is required to investigate all officer-involved shootings resulting in death or injury to ensure transparency and accountability. The San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into this incident. The Escondido Police Department has a protocol for handling such situations, emphasizing de-escalation and the safety of all parties involved. The department has previously faced scrutiny over officer-involved shootings, leading to increased oversight and calls for reform. The community is encouraged to stay informed and participate in discussions about public safety and law enforcement practices.

Related Incidents

• August 2025: A woman was fatally shot by Escondido police following a pursuit on a San Diego freeway. The California Department of Justice initiated an investigation into the incident.
• October 2025: A late-night shooting in Escondido left one person injured. The suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
• February 2026: A 22-year-old Valley Center man died after his vehicle struck a tree and rolled into a backyard in Escondido. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Community Response

The Escondido community has expressed concern over recent incidents involving law enforcement. Residents are calling for increased transparency, improved de-escalation training for officers, and greater community engagement to build trust between law enforcement and the public. Community forums and town hall meetings are being organized to discuss these issues and explore solutions collaboratively.

Legal and Policy Implications

The California Department of Justice’s involvement in investigating officer-involved shootings under Assembly Bill 1506 aims to provide an independent review of such incidents, ensuring accountability and public trust in law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this investigation may lead to policy changes within the Escondido Police Department and influence statewide discussions on law enforcement practices and reforms.

Safety Measures and Resources

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or concerns to local authorities. The Escondido Police Department offers various community programs focused on safety, education, and engagement. For more information on these programs or to get involved, visit the department’s official website or contact their community outreach division.

Contact Information

For more details or to provide information related to this incident, please contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. For general inquiries or information on community programs, contact the Escondido Police Department’s Community Outreach Division.

Related Articles

• Escondido Police Officer Involved in Shooting Identified
• Community Calls for Transparency After Escondido Shooting
• California Department of Justice Investigates Escondido Police Shooting

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