El Centro Police Release Detailed Briefing on May Officer-Involved Shooting That Left a 22-Year-Old Dead
The El Centro Police Department has released a critical incident community briefing containing video and audio evidence from the May 21, 2025, officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Ezequiel Obed Espinoza. The release, made public on September 2, included body-worn camera footage, 9-1-1 calls, and dispatch recordings from the night of the incident.
According to the department, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:08 p.m. after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting that a man had attempted to enter a residence and was armed with a gun. A second call came shortly after, in which another caller stated that “the guy has a gun,” while background voices in Spanish urged family members to get inside.
When officers arrived on South Second Street, Espinoza was located walking backwards. In the body-worn camera video, he can be seen pointing an object toward the officer. Just 14 seconds after dispatch confirmed to the officer that the suspect was armed, the officer fired, striking Espinoza. Medical aid was requested immediately, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police noted that while video footage helps provide context, body-worn cameras have limitations. The department explained that the audio on the officer’s camera did not begin recording until 30 seconds after activation and that the narrow lens of the camera may not capture the same field of vision the officer had at the time.
Court records show that Espinoza had multiple prior arrests and convictions. His arrest history included assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing a police officer, while convictions included second-degree robbery in 2024, reckless driving in 2025, and attempted murder in 2018. Police acknowledged these records in the briefing but emphasized they were background information and not a justification for the shooting itself.
Acting Police Chief Kenny Brown said in a statement, “The police department’s highest priority is the preservation of life and public safety. Whenever there’s a significant incident, the department evaluates all aspects of its response as part of its continuous effort to serve and protect the community.”
The California Department of Justice is leading the investigation under Assembly Bill 1506, which requires independent review of all officer-involved shootings resulting in death. Additional reviews are being conducted by El Centro Police Department’s homicide division and Internal Affairs. The case remains active, and further updates are expected once the Department of Justice completes its review.