Escondido Officer Ingco Wins Misdemeanor Diversion in Fatal Crash Case
The officer who killed a man on an e-bike during a pursuit will avoid jail time if he completes 18 months of court-ordered conditions.
By Mariam Saleh ·
Jason Ingco, a 36-year-old Escondido police officer, received a misdemeanor diversion on Friday for a fatal crash that occurred while he was on duty. The ruling allows Ingco to have his case dismissed if he satisfies specific requirements set by the court.
Ingco was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter following an Aug. 21, 2025, collision that killed Jacob Illian, 39. A conviction on the misdemeanor count would have carried a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. The diversion program spans 18 months and requires Ingco to finish a defensive driving course, complete counseling focused on anger management and emotional control, and perform 150 hours of volunteer work.
This marks the second time in a month that a San Diego County law enforcement officer has secured a similar legal outcome for a deadly on-duty crash. In late October, Chula Vista police officer Johan Jacobo was granted diversion for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Jacobo was charged after turning left against a red arrow and striking a motorcyclist. His 24-month diversionary period includes 150 hours of community service, a defensive driving course, restitution payments, 20 therapy sessions, and a public apology letter to the victim’s family.
Attorney Vishad Dewan, who represents both officers, argued in Ingco’s motion that the incident began when Illian failed to yield to traffic signals while riding an e-bike. Dewan stated that Ingco attempted to pull the cyclist over, but Illian fled. The pursuit moved onto a creek trail between North Midway Drive and North Citrus Avenue. Dewan said Illian veered and contacted Ingco’s patrol vehicle, ejecting him from his bike.
Deputy District Attorney Vincent Chen presented a different account of the moment of impact. Chen argued that Ingco’s car struck Illian during an ill-advised attempt to overtake the cyclist. No surveillance footage captured the crash, but Chen pointed to body-worn camera footage from Ingco’s patrol car. The prosecutor alleged the video showed Ingco steering to the side while trying to pass Illian.
