2 officers in Calif. shot dead by ‘hater’

Two police officers were shot dead and one wounded Saturday — possibly by a deranged cop hater — in Palm Springs, Calif.

Dozens of officers — including a SWAT team — were in position Saturday night outside a house where the suspect was believed to be holed up.

One of the slain officers, Lesley Zerebny, 27, had recently returned to work after giving birth four months ago, the Desert News reported. She had been on the force for a year and a half.

The other, José Gilbert Vega, a 35-year veteran, had been due to retire in December.

“I am awake in a nightmare,’’ said Police Chief Bryan Reyes.

The officers had been called to the house for a domestic disturbance just after noon.

Reyes said the three officers were standing near the front door “trying to negotiate with the suspect just to comply,’’ when he pulled a gun and suddenly opened fire.

The chief added the shooter had not been apprehended — and he was not certain he was still in the house.

Local residents were urged to stay indoors.

Frances Serrano, who lives across the street, told the newspaper he spoke to the father of the suspected shooter moments before the shooting.

The dad reportedly said his son, who has mental issues, had a gun and wanted to shoot police officers.

“He came over and asked us for help,’’ she told the newspaper.

Serrano called police — and the father walked back toward his house. Soon afterward she heard gunfire.

Other neighbors said they heard 10 to 20 rapid gun shots.

Gerardo Barrera was nearby when the shooting began.

“I saw a person on the ground,” he said.

“Someone kept pumping her chest, but she wasn’t moving.