Officer Killed, Another Critical

[rdp]

Cop, Man Killed in California Gunfight
Sun Nov 16,11:57 AM ET

BURBANK, Calif. - A gunfight erupted in downtown Burbank during what began as a routine traffic stop, killing a gunman and a police officer and wounding a second officer.

A second gunman was being sought Sunday in this Los Angeles suburb.

The shootout happened about 6:30 p.m. Saturday when the officers pulled over a sports utility vehicle, said police Sgt. William Berry. He did not say what the nature of the stop was.

The men in the SUV "apparently ... came out of the vehicle firing," Berry said. "The officers were hit several times but still managed to kill one of the suspects."

One officer died in surgery and the second was in critical condition Sunday, police spokeswoman Lyn DeBoeven said.

Berry said both officers — one in his 20s, the other in his 40s — were wearing bulletproof vests.

It wasn't immediately clear what prompted the shooting. "There are only four known witnesses to the shooting," the two officers and the gunmen, Berry said.

As police searched the area, the California Highway Patrol closed a five-mile stretch of Interstate 5 for several hours.

Identities of the two officers were not immediately released.

[rdp]

The Officer Down Memorial Page remembers...

Police Officer Matthew Pavelka
Burbank Police Department, CA
End of Watch: Saturday, November 15, 2003



Biographical Info
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 10 mo
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, November 15, 2003
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: One shot and killed; One at large

Officer Pavelka was shot and killed while backing up another officer during a traffic stop at 1845 hours. The driver of the SUV was unable to produce a driver's license or vehicle registration during the stop. Both occupants of the vehicle then exited the car, each with two handguns, and opened fire on the officers. The suspects fired over 30 rounds from the handguns, striking both officers.

Although critically wounded, both officers were able to return fire and killed one of the suspects. The second suspect escaped and remains at large. Several semi-automatic rifles and methamphetamine were also found in the vehicle during the ensuing investigation.

Officer Pavelka had only served with the agency for 10 months.
Agency Contact Information
Burbank Police Department
200 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502

Phone: (818) 238-3200

Please contact the agency for funeral information
or to send condolences.

[metallicat]

Sad story to hear. I wish for good things for the families of the officers.

[mr_chuck]

It is a damn shame. Also, the first LEO killed in Burbank Police Dept in 80 + years. My condolences to the family and the department

[Jaime]

Yep, it was all over the news last night, it's about a half hour from my house.

[Ryno]

A sad story :mad: particularly for a routine intercept.

We had two officers killed here a number of years ago who were in the process of stoping suspect's - their killers were brought to justice only 11 months ago.

A very chilling story, and pointless killing at that.

[locokarma]

my prayers are with the family, friends and department.