‘Ambushed’ El Monte police officers mourned in Coachella Valley
Two beloved El Monte police officers who were killed Tuesday were "essentially ambushed while trying to keep a family safe," said El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona. The officers responded to a call about a possible stabbing at an El Monte motel.
The officers were identified on Wednesday as Corporal Michael Paredes, a 22-year veteran, and Officer Joseph Santana, a rookie with the department and former San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy.
Santana spent three years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He worked at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga until October 2021, according to the Sheriff's Dept. The department released a statement on his passing.
Our deepest condolences to the families of Corporal Paredes & Officer Santana.
— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) June 15, 2022
This tragic loss hits close to home for us. Joseph began his career with our department in March 2018 and was a graduate of Academy Class 211. He was a great partner and loved by all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/KQCF7TkuTc
Law enforcement officers throughout Coachella Valley and Riverside County are among many who are now mourning their loss.
In Palm Springs, the Police Department tweeted "On behalf of Chief Mills and the Palm Springs PD, we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the two El Monte Police Department officers who were killed in the line of duty today. We are saddened by this senseless and tragic loss."
On behalf of Chief Mills and the Palm Springs PD, we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the two El Monte Police Department officers who were killed in the line of duty today. We are saddened by this senseless and tragic loss. @elmontepolice pic.twitter.com/gUm4WOrqvV
— Palm Springs PD (@PalmSpringsPD) June 15, 2022
Sentiments were echoed by the Indio Police Officer's Association, who shared in part, "Our thoughts and prayers are going out to our brothers and sisters."
Our thoughts and prayers are going out to our brothers and sisters at @elmontepolice @ @ELMONTEPOA as well as the families of the fallen officers. 🖤💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/S4ajDc9Kih
— Indio Police Officer's Association (@IndioPOA1) June 15, 2022
The Riverside County District Attorney's Office shared condolences as well.
Our office sends condolences and joins with those mourning the deaths of two El Monte Police Officers killed in the line of duty.#heroes #lineofduty #lawenforcement pic.twitter.com/uISUw0hTwH
— Riverside County DA's Office (@RivCoDA) June 15, 2022
The fatal confrontation
When the officers arrived, "they confronted the suspect, and an officer-involved shooting occurred," sheriff's department Capt. Andrew Meyer said. "The suspect fled the hotel room into the parking lot and a second officer-involved shooting occurred. Two officers from El Monte Police Department and the suspect were struck by gunfire."
The two officers were taken to LAC + USC Medical Center, where they died of their injuries. Meyer said it appears no victim was stabbed, but authorities are investigating. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the slain officers was a veteran of the police force, with at least 22 years on the job, Meyer said. The other officer had been on the job for less than a year.
The mayor said both officers were deeply committed to protecting the community.
"These two officers were like family in our community with deep ties to our neighborhoods," Ancona said.
"One of our officers was raised in El Monte, went through our schools and was excited to be a part of the El Monte Police Department, where he would be able to serve and protect family and friends. The other fallen officer was a new officer, patrolling our streets, excited to be on the force."
The mayor said both officers were also fathers.
"These men were dedicated to their careers, and even more so as sons, husbands and fathers... We stand in solidarity with them, embrace them and their families."
El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona
El Monte's interim police chief said the slain officers were heroes.
"These two men were loved. They were good men," interim Police Chief Ben Lowry said.
"They paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their community, trying to help somebody. They do with hundreds of thousands of men and women do every day across the United States. ... And these two heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice."
A fundraising page has been set up to help support the families of Officers Paredes and Santana. Click here to visit that page.
With reporting by Holly Yan, Bill Kirkos, Topher Gauk-Roger and Stella Chan, CNN
