One of the most recent officer-involved deaths to inspire a #BlackLivesMatter demonstration (and yet fly unnoticed beneath politicians’ radar) occurred after officers were called to the scene of a domestic disturbance. Police arrived to find Reginald Thomas, 36, holding a large knife under his left arm and a fire extinguisher in his right hand.
Police deployed Tasers on Thomas twice before resorting to a hobble restraint to keep him still; Thomas died during the incident, with his girlfriend accusing police of killing him knowing he had bipolar disorder.
The story doesn’t have much in relationship with a shooting in Palm Springs, Calif., Saturday, other than to illustrate that police never know what to expect when called to handle a domestic dispute. The encounter proved fatal for two officers Saturday, and a third was shot also.
UPDATE: 2 officers killed, 1 injured in shooting, Palm Springs Police Officers Association sayshttps://t.co/uzP5DTMCZS
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 8, 2016
#LIVE: “I am awake in a nightmare right now. As the chief of police…I’ve got to step forward and stay focused” https://t.co/C8nRNwa2wB
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 8, 2016
The Los Angeles Times reports that police do not yet have a suspect in custody after officers were called to a home where an argument between a father and son had turned violent. SWAT teams were on the scene and a manhunt is underway.
#DEVELOPING: Pictures of the two Palm Springs Police Officers killed in shooting today. Jose Gilbert Vega & Lesley Zerebny. pic.twitter.com/YYARUflxE8
— Veronica Miracle (@ABC7Veronica) October 9, 2016
Pictured: Cop and new mom who was shot in Palm Springs, California while responding to a 'family disturbance' https://t.co/BogvNVwdI4 pic.twitter.com/e8MGf38wj9
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) October 9, 2016
Pictured: 63-year-old police officer shot and killed in Palm Springs, California was set to retire in December https://t.co/ScD5GG9Lb5 pic.twitter.com/utQRgheodo
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) October 9, 2016
Lesley Zerebny had just returned to the force from maternity leave and leaves behind a 4-month-old daughter. Jose Gilbert Vega, a 35-year veteran and father of eight, was to retire in December.
A tearful Palm Springs police chief announces one of dead officers is Jose Gil Vega, a 35 year veteran due to retire in December.
— Kim Baldonado (@KimNBCLA) October 8, 2016
2nd Palm Springs officer killed Leslie Zerebny, 27 yrs old, only on force a year. She just returned to duty after having a baby 4 months ago
— Kim Baldonado (@KimNBCLA) October 8, 2016
One was a 35-year veteran; the other a new mother. We grieve with our brothers and sisters of the Palm Springs Police Department. https://t.co/vVQqpDnw2O
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) October 9, 2016
Our prayers are with the @PalmSpringsPD and the families of the officers shot and killed in the line of duty today #NYPD #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/2haWAqpwVf
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) October 9, 2016
Knew Officer Vega. The nicest man. My heart aches. Prayers for his family, PSPD and all of the desert community. https://t.co/iYjyDQG8gR
— Greg Lee (@GregLeeKTVU) October 9, 2016
Third #palmsprings officer who was shot is said to be alert and helping police with investigation. Suspect still not in custody @NBCLA
— Adrian Arambulo (@AdrianNBCLA) October 9, 2016
Chief Reyes: If there's ever a time to pray for Palm Springs PD that time is now … photos of fallen officers pic.twitter.com/zqpX3HWya1
— Kitty Alvarado (@HeyKitty) October 9, 2016
Join the conversation as a VIP Member