Escondido Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal E-Bike Crash

An Escondido police officer has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge in connection with a fatal crash that occurred last year. Officer Jason Ingco, 35, appeared in court Thursday to face the charge stemming from the August 21, 2025 collision that killed 39-year-old Jacob Illian.

According to Escondido police, Ingco initiated a pursuit and struck Illian, who was riding an e-bike, on a bike path near Valley Parkway and Rose Street. Authorities allege that Illian failed to yield during the pursuit.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. An Escondido Police Department spokesperson confirmed that Ingco is on paid administrative leave and expressed condolences to Illian's family.

This case marks the second time in recent months that a vehicular manslaughter count has been filed against a local on-duty police officer. Earlier this year, Chula Vista Police Officer Johan Jacobo was also charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for allegedly running a red light and fatally striking a motorcyclist.

The incident has drawn attention to police pursuit policies and accountability in San Diego County.