Saturday brings terrible news coming out of Palm Springs, California. The New York Times reports that three officers were shot — two fatally — while responding to a domestic disturbance call. While police were on the scene, a suspect reportedly exited the house and opened fire. The New York Times reports that dozens of officers reported to the home after the shooting. Officers are searching for the gunman who is still at large but may still be inside the home. Authorities have directed a robot towards the house but are encouraging the public to stay indoors.
Authorities have identified the two slain officers, according to CNN. Jose Gilbert Vega, a veteran on the force, was scheduled to retire this year and was working on his day off. Lesley Zerebny, a young mother who joined the force a few years ago, had recently returned from maternity leave. The third officer has not been identified but is reportedly alert with a positive prognosis.
Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes issued a statement to ask for the public’s support: “I am awake in a nightmare right now … My employees are broken. The time to pray for the Palm Springs PD is now.”
(Via New York Times, USA Today, ABC News 15 & CNN)