Officer saves woman’s life

ESCONDIDO — A police lieutenant was in the right place at the right time.

Al Owens of the Escondido Police Department overheard a call Tuesday and ended up saving the life of an unidentified woman behind police headquarters.

According to the EPD, the dispatch center received a call at 1:18 p.m. concerning the woman on a creek bed behind headquarters. The caller said the woman had possibly suffered an overdose on a narcotic and was not breathing.

Owens overheard the call, rushed outside, evaluated her condition and began CPR. The woman, who was not breathing and had no pulse, underwent CPR.

Owens was able to regain a pulse, but seconds later it was lost and Owens again conducted life saving measures. The woman regained her heartbeat and began breathing.

She was transported to the hospital after paramedics arrived to provide further treatment.

“While I am extremely proud of Lt. Owens’ actions, I am not surprised,” said Chief Craig Carter. “Lt. Owens was one of seven officers who all raced to the scene in hopes of helping someone in desperate need. This event highlights the daily efforts of every member of the Escondido Police Department.”