Vallejo Residents Pay Respects To Officer Killed During Bank Robbery
VALLEJO (KCBS) - A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night for murdered Vallejo police officer Jim Capoot. Hundreds braved the cold and wet weather to pay their respects to the man who was killed while responding to a bank robbery last Thursday.
Capoot, 45, was fatally shot after a vehicle and foot pursuit of a man suspected of robbing a Bank of America branch on Springs Road at around 1:30 p.m.
He was a 19-year veteran of the Vallejo Police Department, and had also served as a Marine and a California Highway Patrol officer. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
KCBS' Bob Butler Reports:
Police announced Friday that a suspect in the robbery and shooting, identified as 37-year-old Henry Albert Smith Jr., of Fairfield, had been taken into custody. He was due to be arraigned Monday on charges of bank robbery and murder.
On Saturday, Capoot's family released a statement on his death, thanking the community for the outpouring of support received following the shooting.
"The Capoot and DeCarlo families would like to say thank you for the love and support during this very difficult time. Words cannot describe how much Jim will be missed," the statement began.
"He loved the community that he protected and served, and the community clearly loved him," the statement continued.
At Sunday's vigil, Capoot was remembered as a dedicated youth sports coach who also served as a mentor and inspiration to the adolescent athletes.
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