Santa Clarita Shooting: Firefighter Killed, Another Injured After Off-Duty Colleague Opened Fire; Suspect Found Dead From 'Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound' in His Home
A Santa Clarita shooting which took place in Los Angeles Fire Station 81 at Agua Dulce, left one firefighter dead and another injured after an off-duty firefighter opened fire in the station on Tuesday, June 1. The tragic incident happened before 11 in the morning at the station located in the 8700 block of Sierra Highway, according to a Fox 11 report.
The Santa Clarita shooting is an addition to a series of mass shootings in the United States, including the incident in Miami-Dade, Florida, when suspects opened fire in El Mula Banquet Hall.
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Santa Clarita Shooting: Fire Station 81 Agua Dulce Firefighter Opened Fire
L.A. County Fire Department confirmed that the shooting occurred around 10:55 in the morning. ABC News reported that the authorities responded at the scene and identified at last two victims. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said that the firefighter who was fatally shot was identified as a 44-year-old male, who is also a 20-year-veteran of the department. The said victim was found by the authorities dead on the scene.
Meanwhile, the other victim was identified as a 54-year-old fire captain. The captain was transported to Mayo Newhall hospital in Valencia. The 54-year-old victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was listed in critical but stable condition, and is expected to survive.
The names of the victims were not revealed by the authorities.
"I always prayed we would never have a line of duty death and if it occurred, it would occur in this fashion," said Chief Osby. Osby also described the 44-year-old veteran as a "brave, committed, and loyal member of the fire department." Furthermore, Chief Osby noted that never imagined that his members would face dangers in their own "safe house."
To deal with the mental trauma, Chief Osby said that the department "would provide" counselors and other support staff.
Suspect Found Dead in His Residence
The suspect for the shooting in Fire Station 81 was identified by the witnesses to leave the station with a white Toyota Pickup after he shot two victims. Authorities followed the vehicle until they reached the suspect's home located at 2600 Bock of Bent Spur Drive in Acton. Chief Osby confirmed that the suspect was not supposed to be in the station as he was not scheduled to work on Tuesday.
The suspect allegedly barricaded himself inside his home and then set the house on fire. A helicopter has made a water drop in the house, but it did not do much since the property already burned to the ground.
The authorities entered the residence and Lieutenant Brandon Dean confirmed that they discovered a body with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, in the back pool area. They believe the man is the suspect for the Santa Clarita shooting.
The investigation for the Santa Clarita shooting that killed a firefighter is ongoing. Authorities added that the motive for the incident is not yet identified.
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WATCH: Officials investigate shooting at LA County Fire Station 81 - from FOX 11 Los Angeles
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