El Monte community mourns; Procession held for officers killed

A community was left reeling after two police officers were fatally shot while investigating a stabbing in El Monte Tuesday evening. 

The officers were dispatched to the scene of a reported stabbing at the Siesta Inn, located near Central and Garvey Avenues, when they were "essentially ambushed" by gunfire. Both were rushed to nearby hospitals where they later died. 

"These two officers were like family in our community with deep ties to our neighborhoods," said El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona during a press conference following the shooting. They were identified Wednesday as 22-year veteran Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who had been with the department for just seven months. Both officers were raised in El Monte and had deep ties to the community.

More than 12 hours after the original incident occurred, the El Monte community came together to offer their support for the law enforcement community facing the loss of two of their fallen comrades. 

Dozens of residents gathered late Tuesday evening to join the throngs of local law enforcement units who held a lengthy procession from LAC + USC Medical Center to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office as they transported the fallen officer's bodies. The two officers were taken from the hospital draped in American flags before they were placed in the back of a coroner's van. 

Family members and community members alike filed behind the procession on foot, as some fellow law enforcement officers saluted the passing procession under crossed aerial ladders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

"One of our officers was raised in El Monte, went through our schools and was excited to be a part of the El Monte Police Department, where he would be able to serve and protect family and friends," Ancona said. "The other fallen officer was a new officer patrolling our streets, excited to be on the force and ensuring that the community members he had met along the way were protected."

A memorial continues to grow outside of El Monte Police Department headquarters as residents, family and friends stop by to leave offerings of condolences to the law enforcement community and the families of the slain officers. Some left signs thanking the officers for their service, while others lit candles and left bouquets of flowers.

"The cops are all part of the community," said one woman. "It honestly feels like we've lost a family member."

Joaquina Quinones brought her 5-year-old daughter to the memorial to explain the significance of the loss. The girl left one of her favorite toys behind for the officers. 

"I was gonna explain to her why she was gonna see flowers there and it just makes sense to do our part and come out here," she said. "They come here to work, to serve and protect everyone in our city, and they don't get to go home."

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore tweeted a picture of an LAPD badge with a black band across it, showing solidarity with fellow law enforcement.

California State Senator Dianne Feinstein offered her condolences on Twitter Wednesday morning, stating that this instance is a stark reminder of the "dangers law enforcement officers encounter every day."