February 18, 2022 - The El Cajon Police Department reports on February 16, 2022 at approximately 10:15 pm, detectives from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force requested assistance from uniformed Sheriff’s deputies to conduct a stop on a van pulling a stolen trailer. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Lakeside Substation responded and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop on the van in the 1100 block of Decker Street in the City of El Cajon.

The driver, identified as 31 year-old Erik Talavera, exited the van armed with a knife. The deputies gave verbal commands to Talavera, who failed to comply with those commands. During the confrontation, both deputies discharged their firearms, striking Talavera.

Sheriff’s deputies immediately performed life-saving treatment on Talavera until they were relieved by paramedics. Talavera was then transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery for gunshot wounds. Talavera is currently in stable condition and is under guard at the hospital for charges stemming from the incident.

During the incident, a detective from the National City Police Department assigned to the Regional Auto Theft Task Force sustained a minor, non-life-threatening gunshot wound and is being treated at a local hospital.

This incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the El Cajon Police Department and is therefore being investigated by detectives from this agency.
Source: El Cajon Police Department