DOVE vigil held for fallen San Diego police officer
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — A special vigil was held Wednesday night in remembrance of Officer Jonathan DeGuzman, who was shot and killed last week during a traffic stop.
The organization "Dreaming of Violence-free Everywhere" (DOVE), who hosted the event, gathers in response to any act of violence resulting in the death of a community member.
According to their press release, "the purpose of the gathering is to provide a place for the community to affirm its witness against violence and to express its sorrow at the loss of a life. In addition, the group advocates through education, support groups and other activities to provide solutions to violence in our community."
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DeGuzman, a 16-year SDPD veteran, and Officer Wade Irwin, who’s been a San Diego officer for nine years, were on patrol on Acacia Grove Way when they spotted two men walking along a sidewalk.
Irwin got out of the patrol car, walked up to Gomez and asked if he lived in the area and was met by gunfire. Irwin was shot in the throat, sending him to the pavement next to the patrol car.
Related Link: Memorial funds, funeral arrangements made for fallen Officer DeGuzman
Jesse Michael Gomez, 52 — the main suspect in this case — allegedly then shot DeGuzman five times at close range while the officer was still strapped into the driver’s seat. One of the bullets entered the officer’s right side, punctured both lungs, severed his spine and hit a pulmonary artery.
Thirteen spent bullet shells were found next to and inside the patrol car.
Irwin was able to get off a few shots despite his injuries, critically injuring Gomez, then activated his body camera and called for help.
DeGuzman died at a hospital, leaving behind a wife and two children. Irwin, who’s married and the father of a 19-month-old child, is expected to make a full recovery.
