El Centro Police Department Press Release Re: Officer-Involved Shooting of Ezequiel Espinoza
El Centro, CA – On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 8:08 p.m., officers from the El Centro Police Department responded to a call regarding a suspicious individual reportedly attempting to burglarize a residence.
The caller informed Emergency Dispatch that the individual, described as an adult male, was believed to be armed with a firearm.
Upon arrival, an officer made contact with the subject. During the encounter, an officer-involved shooting occurred. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The El Centro Police Department acknowledges that any loss of life is a profound tragedy that affects our entire community. We are committed to conducting ourselves with transparency and accountability as we work to ensure public safety.
In accordance with California Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), the California Department of Justice has assumed responsibility for the investigation into this incident.
As the investigation is ongoing and complex, we are limited in the details we can release at this time. Additional information will be made available as it is confirmed.
We urge anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact Investigations Sergeant Steve Fisher at (760) 352-2111.
Media Contact: Mario Renteria
El Centro Police Department
Public Information Officer
(760) 234-2307