Officer Shot Man in Self-Defense, Police Say

Police said Wednesday that an Escondido officer was acting in self-defense when he shot a 20-year-old man in the right arm Tuesday.

Officer Andrew Duran shot Harland James Hale of Escondido after spotting a dark object that resembled a weapon in Hale’s hand, Lt. Mike Stein said. Hale was treated at Palomar Hospital for minor injuries, police said.

Duran was patrolling North Broadway traffic when he clocked Hale traveling 54 m.p.h. in the 30 m.p.h. zone, Stein said. A 12-minute chase followed, with speeds reaching 80 m.p.h, Stein said.

Duran smashed into the rear of Hale’s car after it became stuck in the mud on Wilkes Road, east of Interstate 15 and outside Escondido city limits.

Stein said that Duran ordered Hale out of the car, but he refused. As the officer walked toward the car, Hale turned toward the officer holding something dark, Stein said.

Duran fired one shot from his service revolver and took Hale into custody, Stein said.