ESCONDIDO — An Escondido police officer charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in a fatal on-duty crash last year was granted misdemeanor diversion Friday. The case could be dismissed if he completes the court-ordered terms.
Jason Ingco, 36, was charged in connection with the Aug. 21, 2025, collision that killed Jacob Illian, 39, during a pursuit.
Ingco faced up to one year in county jail if convicted. He has 18 months to complete the diversion program, which requires him to take a defensive driving course, attend counseling on anger management and emotional control, and perform 150 hours of volunteer work.
Ingco is the second San Diego County law enforcement officer granted misdemeanor diversion in the past month in a case involving a fatal on-duty crash.
Last month, Chula Vista police Officer Johan Jacobo was granted diversion in a case in which he was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after turning left against a red arrow and crashing into a motorcyclist. Over the 24-month diversion period, Jacobo must complete 150 hours of volunteer work, a defensive driving course and 20 therapy sessions; pay restitution; and write a public letter of apology to the victim’s family.
Attorney Vishad Dewan, who also represented Jacobo, argued in a diversion motion that Ingco tried to pull Illian over after Illian failed to yield to traffic signals while riding an e-bike. Dewan said Illian fled.
The pursuit led to a creek trail between North Midway Drive and North Citrus Avenue, where Ingco tried to pass Illian. According to Dewan’s motion, Illian “veered and contacted with” Ingco’s patrol vehicle. The impact ejected Illian from his bike.
Deputy District Attorney Vincent Chen argued that Ingco’s patrol vehicle struck Illian during the officer’s “ill-advised” attempt to overtake him. No surveillance footage captured the crash, but Chen said Ingco’s body camera footage showed him steer to the side as he tried to pass Illian.
