On Monday afternoon in Downey, a Monterey Park Police Department off-duty officer was fatally shot outside a LA Fitness facility.
The victim in yesterday’s shooting has been identified as an officer of the Monterey Park Police Department. The officer was shot and killed in a parking lot at the Downey Landing retail center.
Investigators are still working to identify a suspect. This is a tragic loss for the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Downey police are investigating the homicide of an off-duty Monterey Park police officer. The victim was shot and killed in a parking lot at the Downey Landing retail center. The victim has not been identified. The shooting is still under investigation.
Around 3:30 p.m., Downey Fire Department paramedics responded to the site and discovered the victim unconscious and sitting in his Dodge Charger.
The shooting happened within Downey Landing, which has shops and restaurants, on the 12704 block of Lakewood Boulevard.
There is no description, and the suspect is still at large.
A kind stranger gave the victim CPR, but he was tragically declared dead at the site.
The glass on the driver’s side was blown out. The victim’s car was discovered colliding with another car.
During an evening news conference, Monterey Park Police Chief Kelly Gordon said the department is cooperating with Downey Police and is asking for justice for the fallen officer.
“The Monterey Park Police Department is in mourning tonight,” Gordon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Ricardo Galvez. We will do everything we can to assist the Downey Police Department in bringing those responsible for this heinous crime to justice.”
Downey police said during the news conference they were following up on leads. No arrests were immediately announced. Chief Carl Insprucker said Galvez was shot after he pulled over a vehicle near Brookside Cemetery around 11 p.m. Wednesday night. He was pronounced dead at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood. Insprucker called Galvez “a hero” who served his community with pride and distinction. A candlelight vigil was planned for Thursday night at 7 p.m. outside the Downey police station. flags at half-staff until Officer Galvez is laid to rest,” Insprucker said.
What precipitated the shooting is unknown.
The deceased officer’s name has not been made public.
