Laura S. Diaz|The Record
Update: 11:45 p.m.
Stockton police released a statement Tuesday night offering more details regarding the shooting that occurred Tuesday morning on La Cresta Way, killing Officer Jimmy Inn and suspect Lance Lowe, both 30.The 8-year-old boy who was reportedly being strangled by the suspect has been medically cleared and released to his mother, police said; the female domestic violence victim“walked away from the scene” and authorities say they are still trying to make contact with her.
Here is the latest Stockton Police Department statement:
“This morning, at 9:45 a.m., the Stockton Police Telecommunications Center received a call of a disturbance in the 4400 block of La Cresta Way. The caller reported hearing screaming, saw a woman with a ripped shirt who was bleeding, and appeared to have been assaulted.
Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was dispatched to the call and arrived on scene at 10:07 a.m. Shortly after arriving on scene, Officer Inn knocked on the security door and stood off to the side. A voice from inside the residence said, “Hey Police” and a man immediately opened the door shooting Officer Inn multiple times.
As Stockton Police Officer Pancho Freer arrived on scene he heard gunshots and saw the man standing over Officer Inn holding a gun. The man then shot at Officer Freer striking his patrol car. Officer Freer returned fire from inside his patrol car. The man briefly entered his home and returned moments later holding his eight-year-old son in the front yard of the residence. The man began to strangle his son and refused to comply with Officer Freer’s commands. As Officer Freer approached on foot, a community member tackled the man, and as the child was freed, Officer Freer fired his duty weapon multiple times striking the man.
Officers began live-saving measures on both Officer Inn and the man.
Medics arrived and transported Officer Inn and the man to an area hospital where both died from their injuries.
The eight-year-old boy was medically cleared and released to his mother.
Witnesses said the female victim walked away from the scene prior to police arrival and investigators are currently trying to contact her for a statement.
During a search of the residence, Officers located a firearm inside.
Due to this being an officer-involved-shooting, we initiated a multi-agency critical incident investigation with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, California’s Department of Justice, and San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377.
Weapon Recovered: Glock Handgun.
Decedent: Lance Lowe, black male 30, lived at the residence.
Involved Officer: Officer Pancho Freer, hired in April 2012, assigned to the Field Operations Division. The involved officer will be placed on three day paid administrative leave.
Deceased Officer: Officer Jimmy Inn, hired in December 2015, assigned to the Field Operations Division.”
Update: 8:35 p.m.
Gov. Gavin Newsom tonight issued a statement tonight regarding fallen Officer Jimmy Inn and said Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor:
“It is with heavy hearts that Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones and friends of yet another fallen California hero. Officer Inn put his life on the line to protect those who cannot protect themselves and will forever be remembered for his selfless sacrifice and dedication.”
Update: 7:15 p.m.
Dozens of agencies gathered a short time ago to escort a hearse carryingthe body of fallen Stockton police Officer Jimmy Inn from San Joaquin General Hospital to the county Coroner's Office in French Camp as members of the public lined area roadways to salute the slain officer.
Lodi Unified School District said in a Facebook post that Inn was a graduate of McNair High School:“We send our heartfelt condolences to the Stockton Police Department and those who are grieving the loss of their loved one today. We appreciate the officers who bravely serve our Lodi Unified community and we share their sadness in losing one of their own today.”
Update:6:33 p.m.
Community condolences continue to pour in for slain Officer Jimmy Inn:
From San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti:
“Tonight my prayers are with Jimmy Inn and his family including his wife and baby now without a Dad because of a reckless act of violence!”
From Moses Zapien:
“The Community Foundation of San Joaquin extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn, who was tragically taken from our community today. We honor the courage and ultimate sacrifice that was given while serving in the line of duty.”
From Sophaline Mao, active in the local Cambodian community and Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple activities:
“Sadness hits our own community here in Stockton, California as we lose Officer Jimmy Inn of the Stockton Police Department. Jimmy always had such a warm contagious smile each time I ran into him at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple.
We pray for Jimmy's family, wife, children and the entire Stockton community as we lose one of our heroes who was just doing his job to protect and serve. Rest in heaven oun Jimmy and we are proud of you for being a Cambodian-American role model.”
Stockton Police Officers Association:
“Today, our Stockton community lost a father, a friend, and a hero. Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was tragically murdered after responding to a call for help while trying to keep our city safe.
Words cannot express the magnitude of our sadness. However, the messages of love and support from our Stockton community and beyond have brought us great comfort during this horrible time. Thank you all.
Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn
End of Watch: May 11, 2021”
From San Joaquin Delta College:
“Delta College joins the entire community in mourning the loss of Stockton police Officer Jimmy Inn, who graduated from Delta's POST Academy in 2016.
Officer Inn was killed today in the line of duty.
He is survived by his wife, Tela Inn, a 7-month-old son, a 12-year-old stepdaughter, and a 14-year-old stepson. Tela Inn is also a Stockton police officer and also graduated from Delta.
Please keep the Inn family close to your heart during this time of grief.”
Update: 5:41 p.m.
Online condolences continue to pour in after Officer Jimmy Inn’s slaying:
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln posted a video statement expressing his sorrow over Tuesday’s fatal shooting:
“At this moment our community grieves the loss of one of our very own Stockton police officers,” Mayor Kevin Lincoln said in the short video. “This is a time for us to come together, to surround and support one another and to pray for the strength, healing, comfort and peace of all that have been impacted by this great tragedy.”
From the Manteca Police Department:
“Today, our Stockton community lost a father, a friend, and a hero. Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was tragically murdered after responding to a call for help while trying to keep our city safe.
Words cannot express the magnitude of our sadness. However, the messages of love and support from our Stockton community and beyond have brought us great comfort during this horrible time. Thank you all.
Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn
End of Watch: May 11, 2021”
San Joaquin County District AttorneyTori Verber Salazar also posted a statement on the agency’s Facebook page:
“Today, our community tragically lost an officer with the Stockton Police Department. My heart goes out to Officer Inn’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers at Stockton Police Department. As a daughter of a police officer, I intimately understand the sacrifices police officers and their families make every day for the community.
Officer Inn will be remembered as a hero who put service above self. This type of loss serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and bravery law enforcement officers exhibit every day.”
From the Lodi Police Department:
“We are deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Officer’s family and with the Stockton Police Department.”
Update: 5:30 p.m.
Stockton police posted a statement regarding the death of Officer Inn on their Facebook page this evening:
“Today during National Police Week, where we honor the fallen officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice, Chief Eric Jones and City Manager Harry Black announced with great sadness that Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was shot and killed in the line of duty.
Here is the preliminary information of what we know so far:
This morning, at 9:45 a.m., Stockton Police Dispatch received a call of a disturbance in the 4400 block of La Cresta Way. The caller reported hearing screaming, saw a woman with a ripped shirt who was bleeding, and appeared to have been assaulted.
Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was dispatched to the call and arrived on scene at 10:07 a.m. Shortly after arriving on scene, Officer Inn was in front of the residence when he was shot by the suspect, a black male adult.
Another Uniformed Stockton Police Officer arrived on scene and fired his duty weapon at the suspect. The suspect briefly entered his home and returned moments later holding a young child. The suspect began to strangle the child and refused to comply with the officer’s commands. A community member tackled the suspect and as the officer approached, the officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect.
Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect was also transported to an area hospital and also died from his injuries.
This is now a Multi-Agency Protocol Investigation which includes, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the California State Department of Justice, the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner, and investigators with the Stockton Police Department.
Please remember information is still coming in as this is an ongoing investigation. We are currently interviewing multiple people, reviewing video footage, and processing evidence. We will try to provide timely updates as more information becomes available.”
Update: 4:40 p.m.
Slain Officer Jimmy Inn, below, was among 18 new officers introduced in a public ceremony in 2016 before the new Police Academy grads were tohit the streets.
More: Stockton Police Department: Chief introduces 18 new officers
Update: 4:25 p.m.
Police have not yet identified the suspect in today's fatal shooting as the investigation continues.Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, authorities said at a news conference just minutes ago.
Update: 4:11 p.m.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said moments ago about Officer Jimmy Inn, killed in this morning’s shooting. “He came to work every day putting his life on the line.”
Jones said the police dispatch center received a call at about 9:45 a.m. from a caller who reported hearing screams and saw a woman who was bleeding and who appeared to have been assaulted. Inn arrived at about 10:07 and was in front of the residence when he was shot by the suspect, Jones said, describing it as a “violent, blatant and very sudden assault.”
A second officer arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who briefly disappeared and then returned holding a young child and began to strangle the child, Jones said. He was tackled by a community member and then shot by the second officer, said Jones.
The livestream of the news conference has apparently been interrupted, but we have staff at the scene and will provide further updates.
Update: 3:58 p.m.
Officer Jimmy Inn, 30, has been identified as the Stockton police officer who was killed in this morning's shooting, police said just before a news conference expected to start at 4 p.m.Hired in 2015, he was a member of the Field Operations Division and also of the department's Honor Guard. He leaves behind his wife, Tela, who is also a Stockton police officer, a 7-month-old baby, a12-year-old stepdaughter and a 14-year-old stepson, police said.
Update: 2 p.m.
Both the San Joaquin Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices have posted condolences and badges with black ribbons across them on their Facebook pages this afternoon.
Wrote the DA: “Our sincerest condolences to the Officer’s family, friends, and colleagues at Stockton Police Department. More information regarding the Officer Involved Critical Incident to be released this afternoon.”
Wrote the Sheriff's Office: "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the Stockton Police Department during this difficult time. ...Rest easy, brother. We'll hold the line from here."
Update: 1:10 p.m.
According to Stockton police, the officer struck in this morning's shooting has died, the department posted just after 1 p.m.:
"We are sad to announce that our police officer from this morning’s shooting has died from his injuries. The suspect also died from his injuries. More details will be released during a press conference which will be held later today."
According to authorities, there have been 11 officers who died in the line of duty in the department:
- Officer Scott Martin Hewell, June 11, 2014, Automobile crash
- Officer Arthur Paul Parga, Jan. 22, 1993, Gunfire
- Sgt. Timothy David White, Feb. 4, 1990, Assault
- Officer Arthur E. Ford, Jan. 18, 1988, Heart attack
- Officer Nicholas Paul Cecchetti, Aug. 3, 1978, Gunfire
- Patrolman George J. Woerhle, April 22, 1960, Gunfire
- Officer Floyd N. Bristol, March 3, 1949, Heart attack
- Officer Francis J. Murray, Aug. 14, 1938, Vehicular assault
- Officer John Louis Briscoe, Feb. 5, 1917, Gunfire
- Officer Henry R. Baker, Oct. 17, 1894, Struck by train
- Officer George R. Turner, April 14, 1854, Gunfire
- K-9 Officer Nitro also died of heatstroke on June 30, 2015.
Seven officers with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office have also died in the line of duty since 1895, five due to gunfire, and two to vehicle crashes.
In California, seven officers have died in the line of duty this year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
The shooting comes in the middle of National Police Week (May 9-15), which President Joe Biden noted May 7: “We honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and thank them on behalf of this grateful Nation for their service.”
More: Work begins on new tribute to SJ’s fallen officers
Update: 1 P.M.
Maria Gutierrez, 26, told The Record in an interview at the scene that her mother was at the complex when the shooting occurred and called her, telling her a neighbor “was beating his wife or girlfriend up and that there was there was shooting and that the police shot the guy and the guy was shooting at the police officer and that he was also hitting the kid.”
“He grabbed the kid and he started hitting the kid, like, around his ribs or something like that,” Gutierrez said. “And then after that, she went in, she locked the door. And then that's when the police started coming in. And I guess the guy shot and then they said those gunshots just started off and on.”
Said Gutierrez:“She was just really scared and really panicked. Everything happened in her face.”
Gutierrez said it’s at least the third time shots have been fired in the area and wants her mom, who takes care of her children, to move.
“Luckily my kids weren't here, you know, to see all of this,” she said. “Sometimes my kids are outside her house playing … it’s scary.
Police officer, suspect shot in officer-involved shooting in north Stockton
A Stockton police officer and a suspect were shot in an officer-involved shooting that occurredin the 4400 block of La Cresta Way near Kentfield early this morning, authorities said.
According to police, "both were transported to an area hospital and their conditions are unknown. We will release more details when they become available."
Residents in the areaKCRA 3 that they heard 10 to 15 gunshots Tuesday morning; the station posted a photo of apatrol car with bullet holes parked at the scene.
All of the access points to the scene are currently cordoned off and guarded by police, and police advise residents to avoid the area and say more details will follow. The apartment complex where the shooting occurred is blocked and residents are unable to leave the sceneif their cars are parked inside the taped-off area.
The shooting comes a day after a police officer was killed and another wounded in San Luis Obispo while serving a search warrant before officers shot and killed the gunman on Monday, authorities said. In that shooting, about 250 miles south of Stockton, Detective Luca Benedetti, a12-year law enforcement veteran, was shot and killed while serving a search warrant Monday evening.Detective Steve Orozco was injured in the shooting, police said. He was released from a hospital and is expected to recover from his wounds.
To get help
If you or someone you know is at risk of domestic violence, 24-hour helplines are available through Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services:
- Domestic violence: (209) 465-4878
- Sexual assault:(209) 465-4997
- Youth/human trafficking:(209) 948-1911
Learn more aboutWomen’s Center-Youth & Family Servicesresources online at www.womenscenteryfs.org or by calling(209) 941-2611 (Stockton); (209) 368-3406 (Lodi); and (209) 941-2611 (Manteca and south county).
This is a breaking news story. Return to recordnet.com and see Wednesday's Record for more.
