El Cajon Police continue to search for a wanted suspect while an officer recovers from being dragged down a road by a car. The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old David Pangilinan of Guam.
A journalist in Guam said as soon as the news hit on the island that Pangilinan was wanted, everyone instantly recognized the suspect.
Related: El Cajon police ID suspect who dragged officer with car
“His picture was there and I recognized him right away. He’s a school mate of mine back in elementary and middle school,” said Troy Torres.
“Mr. Pangilinan’s family is very well known, a very nice family that has built up businesses a lot over the years, has contributed a lot to the community so his name does stand out,” he said, saying most people on the small island have heard of the family so this news has sparked attention across the island.
A press release from El Cajon police said Pangilinan is the suspect in a case that started when an officer stopped to check on an SUV parked illegally and blocking traffic on Washington Avenue in El Cajon. He found a sleeping man and woman inside the car that was later determined to be a rental.
The male driver of the car first tried to give false identification then started to put it into gear, so the officer tried to stop him. The officer got trapped in the car and was dragged down the road, then hit by another car.
The SUV drove away and was deserted nearby, with the man and woman nowhere to be found. They are still on the loose and El Cajon police are asking for the public to report any information on their whereabouts.
The officer is in critical condition as of Monday.
A police officer in Guam said they’re on high alert and would know if he tried to return to the island because everyone who lands at the airport in Guam is required to go to a mandatory quarantine facility for six days.
Every person is documented before they can leave, so Guam authorities would know if Pangilinan tried to return home.
Anyone with information on this incident or the driver and/or passenger is urged to call El Cajon police at 619-579-3311 or San Diego Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
