Full Notification

Escondido, Calif. – On April 10^th, 2024, members of the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit were conducting patrol in the Harmony Grove Creek bed, west of 1800 Harmony Grove Road, in the city of Escondido. The location is city owned property, closed to the public. The COPPS Unit has an open project at the location due to blight and persistent crime and disorder. 
 
During the patrol, officers encountered a homeless subject, later identified as 30-year-old Jalen Owens, occupying an illegal encampment. Owens was on active probationary status with the San Diego County Probation Department. Officers conducted a search of Owens’ person and property. During the investigation, officers located approximately 80 grams of fentanyl, 17 grams of methamphetamine, $2,000.00 in cash, body armor, and a loaded firearm.
 
Owens was arrested and later booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Owens was charged with numerous weapons and narcotic-related violations to include: possession of narcotics with intent to sell, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.