Officer is slain, suspect wounded in Hayward
The shootout began with a traffic stop early Wednesday. No motive is known.
A Hayward police officer was killed in a shootout after a traffic stop Wednesday morning, and the wounded suspect later showed up at a hospital, police said.
It’s unclear why Mark Anthony Estrada opened fire on Sgt. Scott Lunger, but the fatal shooting happened 45 seconds after the traffic stop, Hayward police Chief Diane Urban said.
Estrada, 21, of Oakland didn’t have a criminal record, Urban said. He had some gang ties but was not a member, she said.
“There is no ‘why,’ ” the police chief said. “It’s an absolutely senseless murder.”
Urban said Estrada was in police custody at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Hayward police were struggling with the loss of a beloved colleague, who exemplified to many what it meant to be a good cop.
“We lost a warrior today,” Urban said. “Sgt. Lunger was that guy.”
Urban described Lunger as athletic, experienced, ethical and inspirational.
“He truly represented what we do every day in this line of work,” she said. “This is a dangerous job and Sgt. Lunger knew it was a dangerous job.”
Lunger, 48, was a 15-year veteran of the force and a father of two daughters. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and was a member of the department’s SWAT team and gang detail. He previously worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Office.
“Scott loved his job. He did it eagerly,” Hayward police Capt. Mark Koller said at a televised news conference. “This is a very devastating, dark day for the community of Hayward, Hayward police and the men and women of law enforcement.... We are pulling together and we will get through this.”
State officials expressed their sympathies in statements Wednesday and lowered flags at the state Capitol to half-staff.
“It is with profound sadness that Jennifer and I offer our condolences to Sgt. Lunger’s family, his friends and his colleagues on their heartbreaking loss,” said Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is acting governor while Gov. Jerry Brown is out of the country. “We join all Californians in mourning his sacrifice, and honor his service to the people and communities of Hayward.”
California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris echoed Newsom’s sentiment: “On behalf of the California Department of Justice, we offer our condolences to all those who served with Sgt. Lunger and our gratitude to all the men and women in law enforcement who face extraordinary risks and make tremendous sacrifices every day while serving and protecting our communities.”
The Police Department, the chief said, received condolences from thousands.
Lunger was shot about 3:15 a.m. after he pulled over a vehicle near Myrtle and Lion streets for driving erratically, Koller said.
It was unclear if Estrada was alone inside the vehicle, police said.
As Lunger approached the vehicle, the driver opened fire, mortally wounding Lunger, who was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. A second officer returned fire and the driver sped away, police said.
The vehicle was later found abandoned, police said.
Police recovered a gun and ammunition from Estrada’s home, the police chief said. Investigators were working to link the numerous pieces of evidence, including blood and clothing, gathered at the crime scenes.
“We are still just putting the bits and parts and pieces together,” Urban said