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By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Slain officer Jonathan ”JD” DeGuzman and wounded officer Wade Irwin
July 29,2016 (San Diego) — San Diego Police Department has released the identities of two police officers shot last night. The identities of a suspect arrested for the crimes and a second man now in custody, possibly linked to the shootings, have also been made public.
Jonathan “JD” DeGuzman, 46, was married with two children. A gang unit officer, he had served on the forced for 16 years before he was murdered last night after a traffic stop at Acacia Grove Way near 37th Street in the Southcrest community.
Wade Irwin, 32, has a wife and a 19-month-old toddler. A nine-year veteran of the force, he was shot in the chest but is “resting comfortably” after surgery, Chief Shelley Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman has said details on what led up to the shooting are not yet fully known, though they called for backup after making a stop. Both officers were found with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.
Film from body cameras worn by the two officers will be reviewed, 10News reports. The officers were wearing body armor, yet still suffered chest injuries.
A manhunt led to arrest of a suspect who had been shot in the chest. Jesse Michael Gomez, 52, was found after officers followed a trail of blood to the Chollas Creek ravine. The critically injured suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his upper chest, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Officers from multiple agencies, aided by police dogs, SWAT team members and helicopters combed the neighborhood searching for a second possible suspect. This morning, officers surrounded a home on Epsilon Street near 41st Street, reportedly using a bullhorn to urge a resident there, “Marcus,” to surrender and lobbying tear gas bombs into the home. But after entering the residence later on, the discovered the suspect was not there.
Later on, officers arrested Marcus Antonio Cassani, 41, without resistance, after his sister called and said he would give himself up. The Los Angeles Times reports that investigators have not yet determined if Cassani was involved in the shooting of the two officers. However, he had a warrant outstanding for his arrest in Anaheim and had a long criminal record including burglaries, car theft, methamphetamine possession, and carrying a concealed dagger while on parole.
Gov. Jerry Brown today announced that flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in DeGuzman's honor.
A statement issued by the Governor reads, "Each day officers risk their lives to keep our communities safe and Officer DeGuzman’s brave service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer DeGuzman’s family and friends, members of the San Diego Police Department and all law enforcement mourning the loss of this dedicated public servant."
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