Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories · John "Jay" Wiley, Bleav

Detective Shot Multiple Times by a Criminal: Amazing Story

November 2, 2025·40 min·4 clips

Ali Perez recounts how Jesus told him to bless the pedophile trying to kill him in the middle of a gunfight.

This episode features retired San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy Ali Perez, who recounts surviving a prolonged gunfight where he was shot multiple times with a .308 rifle. Host John J. Wiley, a retired police sergeant, interviews Perez about the traumatic incident, his recovery, and his life today. The suspect was a pedophile Perez was attempting to apprehend, which adds a complex layer to the violent encounter. Perez details the events of September 25, 2012, which he states is considered the longest gunfight in San Diego County history, lasting nearly 15 minutes. He was 41 years old at the time and had over 18 years in law enforcement, primarily working with gangs and parolees before a two-year assignment in child abuse. The suspect had a minimal criminal history, with only a misdemeanor vandalism from Wisconsin, and a threat assessment was so low it didn't warrant a tactical unit. Perez entered the suspect's apartment with a team after obtaining keys and written consent from the victim's mother, who had discovered videos and photos of abuse involving her young daughter. Upon kicking in the door, Perez was immediately shot; the first round nearly severed his left arm, destroying his humerus and bicep. A second round punched a grapefruit-sized hole through his chest, missing his heart and liver but damaging his lungs, diaphragm, and intestines. He describes experiencing auditory exclusion, where the .308 rifle shots sounded like "dud firecrackers," and severe tunnel vision. Trapped inside the apartment for over 11 minutes, Perez engaged in a frantic reload race with the suspect after both emptied their weapons. The suspect even stood over Perez and kicked a spare magazine from his hand. A most surprising claim is Perez's description of a spiritual experience where he felt Jesus intervened, granting him peace and instructing him to "bless" the man trying to kill him. He explains this moment changed his life's trajectory, shifting his perspective from vengeance to a commanded grace. Perez also notes that pedophiles, in his experience, typically have minimal law enforcement contact and are not perceived as ultra-violent, making this suspect's armed resistance highly unusual. The incident resulted in Perez losing the use of his left arm, forcing his retirement after a two-year recovery. The tone is a raw, conversational interview between two retired law enforcement officers who understand the realities of violence and trauma. The style is deeply personal and reflective, blending tactical details with emotional and spiritual introspection. Listeners will appreciate the host's empathetic and informed questioning, which draws out the narrative without sensationalism. This episode is ideal for true crime enthusiasts interested in firsthand officer survival stories, individuals exploring themes of trauma and forgiveness, or anyone in law enforcement seeking peer perspectives on critical incidents. Listeners who prefer purely factual, detached crime analysis or are sensitive to graphic descriptions of violence and religious themes might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A blunt gunfight account that tracks survival, trauma, and recovery.

This episode follows a retired California sheriff's deputy who survived being shot multiple times with a .308 rifle in a long gunfight. It is strongest when it stays close to that arc: the injuries, the recovery, the trauma, and the shape of life today.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for a retired deputy's account of a .308 gunfight, the injuries afterward, and life today.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories