LANCASTER–
“The tragedy of a deputy sheriff such as Sergeant Steve Owen making the ultimate sacrifice has a massive impact on the whole law enforcement family. We all mourn together and our hearts go out especially to Steve’s immediate family Tania, a detective at Arson/Explosives Detail, his two adult sons Brandon and Chad, a step-daughter Shannon and his mother Millie.”
–Sheriff Jim McDonnell
LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Homicide Bureau detectives are en route to the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7, Lancaster, to investigate the circumstances surrounding a deputy-involved shooting.A sergeant was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.The suspect is outstanding.The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department sergeant died after being shot during a deputy-involved shooting in Lancaster, authorities said.The department identified him as Steve Owen, 53, a 29-year veteran of the department who had spent the last five years at the Lancaster Station.
According to KABC , Owen and another deputy had responded to a burglary call around noon in the 3200 block of West Avenue J7, sheriff’s officials said. The area was contained and during the containment gunfire was heard in the back of the location.
The deputy at the front of the complex ran in the direction of the gunfire and found Owen suffering from a gunshot wound. The suspect then fled the area on foot, ran to the front of the home and attempted to steal Owen’s patrol car, according to authorities.
The suspect put the car into reverse, ramming the second patrol car, which resulted in a second deputy-involved shooting, authorities said.
Authorities said the suspect then fled from the area on foot and ran into another home with two teens inside. Special Enforcement Bureau officers were able to get the teens safely out of the home before the suspect was taken into custody.
Capt. Steven Katz said the suspect, who is on active parole, have suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. A weapon was also recovered.
