Palm Springs, California – Three Palm Springs police officers were shot today at about 12:18 p.m., two fatally, as they responded to a family disturbance call. SWAT teams and numerous agencies are searching for the perpetrator.
“Today Palm Springs lost two brave officers. They go out every day and put their boots on the ground for everybody in this community. They gave it all for you.” Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes
As police were responding to a report of a “family disturbance,” the suspect opened fire on them, according to the Chief. Witnesses said they heard 10 to 20 shots.
The man who is suspected of shooting the officers was said to have “mental issues and wanted to killed police officers.” Officers have surrounded a house, and police are treating it as if the suspect is still inside the house, but they are unsure if he is in it.
The Desert Sun listed the deceased officers as Lesley Zerebny (female officer) and Jose Gilbert “Gil” Vega. Vega was a 35-year veteran who was due to retire in December… Saturday was just an overtime day for him. Zerebny is the mother of a 4-month-old baby.
The other officer is “alert” according to Chief Reyes.
The LA Times reported,
Hutchinson said police don’t have a suspect in custody and have multiple SWAT teams combing the area. The department sent out a “code red alert” and people in several nearby blocks were being evacuated.
“If you do live somewhere in the area, keep your doors locked,” Hutchinson said. “Please do not answer your doors for anybody.”
The law enforcement source also said the original call for service was related to a family disturbance. An argument between a father and son had turned violent, the source said.
The source said SWAT officers are at the scene looking for suspects. Photos on social media show a huge police presence from numerous jurisdictions in the area.
Two police officers killed, third wounded while responding to domestic disturbance in Palm Springs, CA, police say. https://t.co/KyxYdOk5Te
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 8, 2016
Suspect who fatally shot 2 police officers in Palm Springs, CA, has not been… https://t.co/GP3powAUxF by #yvosimons via @c0nvey
— Angel Valderrama (@AngelValderra10) October 8, 2016
UPDATE: 2 officers killed, 1 injured in shooting, Palm Springs Police Officers Association sayshttps://t.co/uzP5DTMCZS
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 8, 2016
BREAKING: Two police officers fatally shot in Palm Springs, Calif. https://t.co/oZsmSQq4Pq
— CTV News (@CTVNews) October 8, 2016
The first news conference: