The motive remains unclear but Corina said it appears Galvez was targeted.
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A police officer was found dead in a vehicle in a police department parking lot in Downey, it was reported today.
Officer Galvez was a five-year veteran of the Downey Police Department and a former US Marine.
Officer Ricardo “Ricky” Galvez, a 5-year veteran of the Downey Police Department was shot and killed late Wednesday night in the department’s parking lot.
Sheriff’s Lt. John Corina told reporters that investigators believe the lawman, sitting in his parked auto, was targeted, but not because suspects believed he had a badge.
Lt Corina said the suspects jumped into their vehicle and fled the scene. A number of people were detained and investigators were trying to determine if any of them were the suspects, Corina said. The individuals reportedly left the vehicle in Montebello.
Attorneys for a man who fatally shot his wife and posted a photo of her corpse on Facebook are putting on evidence they say will show he acted in self-defense.
An officer dying in the line of duty is a rare event in Downey.
Officers with the Downey Police Department heard the gunshots, saw the auto and went in pursuit of the vehicle. A large perimeter has been set up and apartment buildings have been evacuated as SWAT officers sweep the area.
Police chiefs across the country have raised fears of a growing tide of violence against officers who are afraid to retaliate because of concerns over negative headlines. Three suspects have been detained and authorities continue to search for one more person of interest.
Authorities from the sheriff’s department, which is leading the investigation, continued to search for suspects Thursday.
“It’s with great sadness that I report one of Downey’s finest was shot and killed”, Carl D. Charles, the Downey police chief, said at a news conference.
Several police departments, including Irwindale, Montebello and San Bernardino police, tweeted out their condolences as news of Galvez’s slaying spread.
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The shooting happened at about 11 p.m. Wednesday in Downey, located in southeast Los Angeles County.
