Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories
Episode: Detective Shot Multiple Times by a Criminal: Amazing Story
Host: John "Jay" Wiley
Guest: Ali Perez, Retired San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy
Date: November 2, 2025
Overview
This gripping episode centers on retired Sheriff's Deputy Ali Perez, who survived being shot multiple times with a .308 rifle during what is described as the longest gunfight in San Diego County history. The shooter was a pedophile suspected of horrifying crimes. Perez discusses the moments leading up to the shooting, the harrowing ordeal itself, its traumatic aftermath, the profound spiritual experience he had during the gunfight, and how he’s tried to make sense of his survival and recovery. The episode also touches on misconceptions about pedophiles as criminals and the unpredictable nature of law enforcement threats.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Background: Law Enforcement, the Case, and the Suspect
[03:15 – 08:51]
- Ali Perez’s Service:
- Over 18 years in law enforcement before the incident.
- Assigned to child abuse investigations for two years prior to the shooting.
- The Suspect and Casework:
- The suspect was a pedophile but did not fit the traditional profile of a violent offender—minimal criminal history and low threat assessment.
- Surprise at the level of violence encountered: pedophiles usually "fly under the radar" and avoid aggressive confrontation with police.
2. The Day of the Incident
[16:17 – 19:56]
- Planning the Arrest:
- A methodical workup and low threat assessment led Perez to be confident about the operation.
- An unusual number of available team members joined Perez for the attempted arrest—a rare occurrence.
- At the Apartment:
- Perez had consent and keys, initially trying to enter peacefully.
- Upon forced entry, he walked into a pitch-black apartment, only to be ambushed.
“I had zero worries. I was very confident. I'm like, I do this all day… I'm going to go over there, I'm going to knock on the door, use my award-winning personality, get him outside, throw the cuffs on him, get him back to the station…”
— Ali Perez [16:17]
3. The Gunfight: Violence Unleashed
[24:20 – 32:05]
- Immediate Chaos:
- On entry, Perez was shot almost immediately, nearly losing his left arm.
- Suffering massive trauma, he experienced time dilation, tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, and overwhelming pain.
- His partners returned fire as Perez lay immobilized.
"He opens fire. The first round hits me in the left arm and almost severs it completely… My body locked up… when the static went away, I had spun 90 degrees. I'm the only one inside the apartment."
— Ali Perez [24:20]
-
Survival Instinct:
- Despite extreme injuries, Perez's determination to fight and survive surged:
"I'm not dying in this nasty child molester's apartment today. Kill this man. Stop playing. See bad guy shoot bad guy, right?"
— Ali Perez [26:26]
- Despite extreme injuries, Perez's determination to fight and survive surged:
-
Notable Experience:
- Auditory exclusion (sounds muted), time seemed to slow, and Perez methodically attempted to reload and defend himself despite being gravely wounded.
4. Critical Moments & Spiritual Encounter
[35:41 – 41:53]
- The Life-and-Death Struggle:
- After a vicious exchange, Perez runs out of ammunition, as does the shooter. The suspect stands over him and, for a split second, appears poised to execute him.
- Overwhelmed by guilt (not coming home to his family), shame, anger, and a rush of emotion, Perez prepares to accept death.
- Near-Death & Divine Encounter:
- Instead of being shot, Perez describes an overwhelming sense of peace and a vivid spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ, who instructs him to "bless" his attacker, radically softening Perez's heart towards the man attempting to kill him.
"I got the courage to speak. And I said, ‘Lord, I trust you completely. What do you want me to do with this guy?’... In beautiful calligraphy [the note] said, 'I want you to bless him.'"
— Ali Perez [39:40]
- Transformation in Action:
- Obeying the vision, Perez tells the suspect, "God bless you, brother. I’m going to pray for you." The suspect then sets down his rifle.
- Perez describes three minutes spent with Christ, experiencing specific instructions, and a glimpse of hell that changed his heart towards true forgiveness.
"He told me to bless the man I was trying to kill and the man who was trying to kill me."
— Ali Perez [39:50]
5. Aftermath: Survival, Surrender, and Reflection
[42:08 – 43:12]
- Gunfight Ends:
- The suspect was mortally wounded, began to surrender, but then shot at police again before finally surrendering to authorities.
- Lifelong Impact:
- Perez suffers permanent injuries (loss of use of his left arm), PTSD, and describes the burden and complexity of surviving such violence.
- Perspective on Violence: Both host and guest discuss the dual natures within law enforcement professionals—the desire for peace and the ability to be extremely violent when facing mortal threats.
"I'm not violent by nature, but if you switch, if there's a switch in me… then you've got to be prepared to deal with what comes behind it."
— Ali Perez [30:54]
6. The Book "Bless Him" and Moving Forward
[43:12 – 44:08]
- Book Origin:
- The memoir "Bless Him" was initiated and written by Perez's daughter, Raelynn Perez, offering a 360-degree view of the incident from multiple perspectives, including police partners and hospital staff.
- The book chronicles the cascade of "miracles" surrounding Perez’s survival and recovery.
- Forgiveness and Recovery:
- Perez discusses the ongoing challenge of making peace with the trauma, adapting to disability, and living post-career.
- The host emphasizes the media’s failure to cover the aftermath and recovery journey for wounded officers.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Violence and Survival:
"You would think being shot multiple times, a .308 rifle, you’re done for… I'm only alive by the grace of God. Period."
— Ali Perez [03:38] -
On Law Enforcement Preparedness:
“Statistically, they're three to five seconds long… I never once thought I would be in this almost 15-minute ordeal.”
— Ali Perez [05:20] -
On the Spiritual Experience:
"He told me to bless the man I was trying to kill… The only thought that went through my head was, 'yes, sir.' I said, 'God bless you, brother. I'm going to pray for you.' And he set his fully loaded M1 Garand on the ground."
— Ali Perez [39:40] -
On Post-Trauma Reflection:
“I was out. I was ashamed and embarrassed. The weight of failure almost killed me right there. Never mind the gunshot wound."
— Ali Perez [35:41]
Important Segment Timestamps
- Introduction to Ali Perez and the case: [02:55 – 03:15]
- Profile of pedophiles as offenders: [07:51 – 08:51]
- Building the case and approaching the apartment: [16:17 – 19:56]
- The gunfight begins—Perez is shot: [24:20 – 26:55]
- Describing the after-effects: tunnel vision, pain, survival mindset: [26:55 – 30:09]
- Discussion on violence as a duality in officers: [30:34 – 32:04]
- Deep dive into the gunfight’s climax, tactical and emotional challenges: [35:41 – 39:40]
- The spiritual encounter and turning point: [39:40 – 41:53]
- Suspect’s fate and end of gunfight: [42:08 – 42:46]
- Book and aftermath: [43:12 – 44:08]
Episode Tone and Takeaways
- Candid, unfiltered, and intensely personal: The episode maintains a deeply honest tone, with Perez and Wiley reflecting (sometimes emotionally) on trauma, violence, faith, and the lasting impacts of their work and suffering.
- Law enforcement as human: Both men underscore the unpredictability of police work, misconceptions about criminal violence, and how even minor-seeming situations can turn suddenly deadly.
- Hope and forgiveness emerge: Despite the horror, Perez emphasizes faith, forgiveness, and the search for meaning.
- Resource: For more on Ali’s story and book: raelynperez.com
For Listeners
This episode offers a rare look inside the mind and heart of a law enforcement officer who survived a true nightmare—both the brutal violence and the soul-searching aftermath. It’s a story about trauma, resilience, the unpredictable nature of evil, and ultimately the healing power of faith and forgiveness.
End of summary.