Jun 16, 2008 2:35 pm US/Pacific
Weapon Reportedly Recovered In Deputy Shooting
DUNNIGAN (CBS13) ―
The man who shot a Yolo County Sheriff's Deputy has been arrested, according to authorities, and police say they've also found the gun used to kill the police officer.
Marco Topete, 35, is under arrest after an 11-hour manhunt for the suspect who killed 37-year-old Deputy Jose 'Tony' Diaz during a Sunday night traffic stop.
Diaz, a four-year veteran of the force, was allegedly shot in the shoulder by Topete near the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 99 near Dunnigan around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The high-powered rifle sent a bullet straight through Diaz's bulletproof vest.
Deputy Diaz was able to call for backup, and Topete allegedly fled the scene, leaving his young daughter in his car. More officers arrived in minutes, and Diaz was alert and talking to officers before a medical airlift arrived.
Diaz was airlifted to the UC Davis Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.
"We all know the dangers of the job, we accept the dangers," said Yolo County Sheriff Ed Prieto. "When it hits so close to home, I think it really emphasizes… how life can be cut so short so easily."
Officers and SWAT teams from multiple jurisdictions initiated a massive manhunt in the area, shutting down part of Interstate 5 for a period of time and going door-to-door in nearby neighborhoods to search for the suspect. Hours later, authorities located Topete in a nearby field and took him into custody without incident.
Authorities say Topete is a parolee who served 12 years for assault with a deadly weapon. They also say he is a known gang member, something his mother denies.
"People talk and they don't know what they're talking about," said Juanita Topete.
The incident reportedly began when Topete's wife, Angelique Topete, called 911 and said Marco had left her on the side of the highway and driven off with their daughter inside. Deputy Diaz was the first to locate the vehicle, which sparked a brief high-speed pursuit.
When Topete stopped, he allegedly opened fire. Video of Deputy Diaz's patrol cars shows what appears to be a bullet hole in the windshield.
Diaz is survived by his three daughters, ages two, four and 16.
"He was known for being nothing if not a good person and a very loving father," said Michelle Wallace of the Yolo County Sheriff's Department. "This is a very sad day for all of us."
Deputy Diaz is the first Yolo County Sheriff's Deputy to be killed in the line of duty in 65 years.
Authorities say Topete's daughter was unharmed in the incident, and will be returned to her mother on Monday.
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