Above: Stock Image
Originally published by San Diego Sherriff’s Department
“On Sunday June 04, 2023, at approximately 8:56 p.m., the San Diego Police Department received a radio call of a disturbance involving a male with what was believed to be a firearm on the trolley traveling south towards the San Ysidro Trolley Station. Multiple witnesses saw the suspect with the firearm in his hand and acting erratically. As the trolley arrived at the San Ysidro Trolley Station, passengers began evacuating the trolley car. Two officers arrived and gave the suspect several verbal commands to drop what was believed to be a firearm he was holding in his hand; however, the suspect ignored their commands. The suspect then began to advance towards the officers and pointed what was believed to be a firearm at them. This prompted one of the officers to fire his department rifle at the suspect, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics were requested and the officers immediately rendered first aid to the suspect, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased male in this case has been identified as Mauricio Sanchez Ramos. He is described as a 19-year-old Hispanic male. He previously lived in Ramona, but his most recent residence is unknown.
The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Ruben Berton. He was hired by the San Diego Police Department in 2017. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer from the Southern Division.
To view the previous press release dated June 5, 2023, Click here
Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved-shooting investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation and review process for officer-involved shootings are extremely thorough. When the Homicide Unit completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions. The San Diego Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm. The Commission on Police Practices (CPP) will conduct a review of the incident and provide any appropriate recommendations. The Department of Justice was notified of the above incident and declined to respond. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.”
