Full Notification

On August 19, 2008, Major Crimes Bureau and Operation Safe Streets Bureau personnel were conducting an operation in the city of Downey attempting to locate a murder suspect. They had spent days conducting follow-up and surveillance operations until they finally observed the suspect’s girlfriend walking in the area near her residence.

As deputies attempted to contact the girlfriend, surveillance deputies approached the residence to gain a tactical advantage. The suspect suddenly appeared in the driveway. Startled by the deputies’ presence, he began to run toward the backyard. He then pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired at the pursuing deputies. In an effort to protect themselves, Deputies Juan Alvarado and Francis Espeleta returned fire.

The suspect ignored verbal commands to stop running. He suddenly positioned himself in a crouch, aimed his handgun at the deputies, and fired. As other deputies dove for cover, Deputy Alvarado fired several rounds at the suspect to hold him at bay and protect his fellow deputies from harm.

The suspect fled west and scaled a wall to an adjoining yard, where Deputies Carlos Nuques and Kimberly Ponce were assigned to a containment position. After hearing gunshots and seeing the suspect running towards them, they fired their weapons in fear for their lives. The suspect now rapidly advanced toward Deputy Ponce and was only a few feet away from her when she fired several rounds at him. Deputy Nuques quickly flanked the suspect from the opposite side of a parked car and, with only a few feet between them, engaged the suspect in gunfire. The suspect was hit and ultimately fell to the ground. He was then taken into custody and treated for gunshot wounds.

All of the deputies involved in this violent confrontation acted courageously and displayed tremendous discipline and sound tactics in an attempt to apprehend this extremely dangerous suspect.

For placing himself in potential peril to save the lives of others, with full knowledge of the risk involved, Deputy Francis Espeleta is awarded the Meritorious Conduct Medal, Silver.

For placing themselves in immediate danger to perform an act of great bravery to save the lives of others, Deputies Juan Alvarado and Kimberly Ponce are awarded the Meritorious Conduct Medal, Gold.

For demonstrating great courage above and beyond the call of duty, under immediate life-threatening peril, with full knowledge of the risk involved, Deputy Carlos Nuques is awarded the Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
(323) 267-4800
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Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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