El Cajon Sergeant Struck by Vehicle During Attempted Assault, Suspect Killed

On December 11, 2024, at 12:42 p.m., an El Cajon Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant were in the parking lot of the El Cajon Police Department Headquarters. The Lieutenant and Sergeant were preparing for a retirement ceremony when the incident occurred. They were not attempting to respond to a radio call or take any enforcement action. A person in their 20’s, who had been parked in the parking lot, drove a 2000 Toyota Tundra on to the sidewalk and attempted to run them over. The sergeant was struck and thrown into the air as he tried to run out of the way. The driver then collided with a tree. The lieutenant called for backup.

As other officers responded, and while the sergeant was attempting to get back up, the driver reversed the truck and then drove forward toward officers a second time. The sergeant and one other officer (who had run from headquarters to help) fired their duty weapons multiple times, striking the suspect who was still seated in the truck. Officers rendered aid until paramedics could arrive and transport the suspect to the hospital. The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The suspect is now identified as Benjamin Grube, a 24-year-old non-binary person. Prior to their legal 2 name and gender identity change, they were formally known as Andrea Elizabeth Grube.

The sergeant was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by the vehicle. He has since been discharged.