Southern California deputy shot and killed; suspect in custody
A sheriff's deputy was shot and killed late Friday afternoon in the Southern California city of Lake Elsinore, authorities said. A suspect is in custody.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported that the deputy, identified as Darnell Calhoun, was transported to a hospital in serious condition. Calhoun later died of his wounds, the sheriff's department tweeted Friday night.
"We are devastated to announce the passing of Deputy Darnell Calhoun who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon," the sheriff's department wrote.
The incident unfolded around 4:20 p.m. on Friday as Calhoun responded to the 18000 block of Hilldale Lane in the unincorporated area of Lakeland Village regarding unknown trouble, according to a news release. As Calhoun got closer to the residence, the suspect began firing at him.
Another deputy arrived, and the suspect began firing at him as well. The suspect was wounded and taken into custody. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for his injuries, and is in critical condition.
The other deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave according to department policy. The name of the involved deputy has not been released, according to a news release.
Lake Elsinore is located about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Calhoun began his service with the department as a deputy sheriff on Feb. 24, 2022, according to a news release. He spent two years working for the San Diego Police Department before being hired by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
This comes just a few weeks after another Riverside County Sheriff's deputy was also shot and killed in the line of duty. Deputy Isaiah Cordero, 32, was fatally shot Dec. 29 while conducting a traffic stop in the city of Jurupa Valley.
The suspect, 44-year-old William McKay, was shot and killed later that day by officers following a dramatic police pursuit which traversed several freeways. McKay had an extensive criminal history with convictions for kidnapping, robbery and multiple assaults with a deadly weapon, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco said.