MAN SHOT BY EL CAJON OFFICER DIES

July 8, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Moses Jovid Muhammad, 56, died today after being shot by an El Cajon policeman outside Jack-in-the-Box.

Responding to calls of a man chasing people with a large hunting-type knife yesterday morning, El Cajon motorcycle officer Nick Sprecco spotted the suspect in a Jack-in-the-Box parking lot at 2nd and Madison. According to police, the suspect approached the officer, knife in hand, ignoring repeated orders to halt.

Officer Sprecco, a nine-year veteran on the police force and son of Police Chief Pat Sprecco, reportedly backed away and ordered the suspect to drop the knife several times. The suspect continued to advance. Sprecco drew his service pistol and fired several rounds, hitting the suspect in the upper torso and leg.

After the man collapsed, Sprecco and other responding officers administered first aid. El Cajon Fire personnel transported the suspect to a hospital, where he later died.