California Sheriff's Deputy Killed, Two Others injured In 'Ambush'

A deputy with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office was killed in an ambush in Northern California. Authorities received a 911 call about a suspicious van parked on the side of the road in the Santa Cruz Mountains and were told there were guns and bomb-making materials inside.

When officers went to investigate, the van immediately drove away. As they began to follow the van, they were ambushed with gunfire and improvised explosives as the van pulled into a driveway.

Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, 38, was shot and killed. Another deputy was injured, but officials are not sure he was shot or struck by shrapnel from the bomb. He was also hit by the suspect's car as he fled the scene.

"In my 32-year career, this is my worst day I've ever experienced," Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said at a news conference. "Today, we lost one of our own, and he was a true hero."

Authorities identified the suspect as Stephen Carrillo. He was shot by responding officers and taken into custody. A California Highway Patrol officer was shot in the hand during the encounter.

Carillo is facing charges of murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and carjacking. Officials have not determined a motive for the attack.

"There's a lot that we don't know at this point. It's still a very fluid situation," Hart said. "I ask that the community be patient as we go through this investigation and the grieving process.''

Hart praised Gutzwiller's service, calling him a "good man and a good police officer."

"In this era that we're in, when you think about what you want to see in a police officer, compassion, caring, somebody who truly loves his job, who wants to help people, that's what Damon was," Hart said.

Photo: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office