The Antelope Valley Times

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Sheriff’s sergeant slain in Lancaster

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The shooting was reported about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7 in Lancaster. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
The shooting was reported about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7 in Lancaster. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
LANCASTER  – A sheriff’s sergeant responding to a residential burglary call was shot and fatally wounded Wednesday near an apartment complex in Lancaster, and a parolee was taken into custody about 90 minutes later and hospitalized with a gunshot wound.

Sgt. Steve Owen [Image by TONY CHEVAL]
Sgt. Steve Owen [Image by TONY CHEVAL]
Sgt. Steve Owen, 53, was gunned down about 12:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7 and died at a hospital, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Owen, a married father of two grown children, was a 29-year department veteran who had been promoted to sergeant five years ago.

Owen received a Meritorious Conduct Medal in 2014, along with five of his Lancaster Station colleagues, for their roles in a pursuit and standoff situation involving a series of armed gang members.

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told the Los Angeles Times that Owen, who had worked in the Antelope Valley for more than 20 years, had been shot in the face.

A deputy who was injured — but not shot — apparently when the suspect tried to commandeer the fallen sergeant’s patrol car, was also taken to a hospital, according to the sheriff’s department. The deputy’s name was not released.

Sheriff’s SWAT deputies were involved in the search for the suspect, who sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. His name was not immediately released.

No other suspects were being sought, according to the sheriff’s department.

“We were fortunate in being able to find his wife, who is an Arson- Explosives (Detail) detective in our department, and get her to the hospital … before Steve succumbed,” sheriff’s Executive Officer Neal Tyler told reporters.

Owen’s son and daughter, as well his mother, were also at his bedside, Tyler said.

“The tragedy of a deputy sheriff such as Sergeant Steve Owen making the ultimate sacrifice has a massive impact on the whole law enforcement family,” according to a statement from Sheriff Jim McDonnell, who was cutting short a trip to Hawaii because of the death.

“We all mourn together and our hearts go out especially to Steve’s immediate family Tania (his wife), his two adult sons Brandon and Chad, a stepdaughter Shannon and his mother Millie.”

The killing was the first of an active-duty department member since June 24, 2005, when Deputy Jerry Ortiz, 35, was gunned down by a gang member as he conducted a shooting investigation in Hawaiian Gardens.

The gunman, then 27-year-old Jose Luis Orozco, was found guilty of first- degree murder with the special circumstances of murder of a police officer and possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to death.

Capt. Steven Katz of the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said Owen responded shortly after noon to a residential burglary call.

“While they were containing that location, gunfire was heard from the rear of the location where the burglary was occurring and emergency radio traffic was immediately dispatched,” Katz said.

“The deputy at the front of the apartment complex ran … in the direction of that gunfire, where he found Sgt. Owen suffering from a gunshot wound. The suspect fled from that area and the deputy gave chase on foot.”

The suspect then ran to the front of the location and attempted to commandeer the sergeant’s patrol car, prompting a deputy to open fire, Katz said.

“The suspect placed that car into reverse and rammed the second radio car at the location,” Katz said. “A second deputy-involved-shooting occurred at that time. The suspect fled from that vehicle on foot.”

It’s unclear if Owen was able to fire any shots at the suspect, Katz said.

A large cordon was established to contain the suspect, who entered another home where two teen children were inside, Katz said.

The teens “were ultimately able to inform law enforcement of the presence of the suspect at that location.” Katz said, adding that a firearm was recovered.

During the suspect search, officials at Antelope Valley College — which is a few blocks south of the shooting scene — advised students and staff to “shelter in place” and several area schools, including Lancaster High School, were placed on lockdown.

County Supervisor Mike Antonovich called Owen “an outstanding law enforcement professional who I had the opportunity to know and work with.”

“He was a husband and father who was respected by his colleagues and engaged in his community. He was senselessly murdered while responding to a call for help,” Antonovich said. “His loss leaves a significant void for all who knew him.”

Supervisor Hilda Solis, the board’s chair, also issued a condolence message and said county flags would be flown at half-staff for one week.

Owen’s community involvement included youth activities, Tyler said.

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs issued a statement saying its members will be grieving the loss of their well-respected colleague.

“Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs put their lives at risk every time the put on the uniform,” according to the union. “This horrible tragedy is another reminder of the dangers and sacrifice law enforcement personnel face protecting the county’s citizens and businesses.”

Parris, who went to the hospital to keep vigil with Owen’s family, issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon saying he was “completely outraged by the cowardly act which took place today.”

“Antelope Valley hero, Sergeant Steve Owen, represents the epitome of excellence in law enforcement,” Parris wrote.

“Sergeant Owen has served our community for more than 20 years, earning such honors as the Meritorious Conduct Medal, which speaks to his dedication to fulfilling his duties in making the Antelope Valley a safer place.”

Shunnon Thomas, president of the Antelope Valley branch of the NAACP, also offered condolences to Owens’ family.

“It is a great loss for the department and the people of the Antelope Valley,” he said.

Gov. Jerry Brown also sent his condolences and said flags in the state Capitol would be flown at half-staff.

“A courageous and decorated hero risked his life for the last time today,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

A vigil was held for Owen Wednesday night at the Lancaster Station.

Katz called it “a very dark day” for the sheriff’s department.

“We’re all suffering right now,” Katz said while noting that Owen was involved in the sheriff’s mounted enforcement unit and was a field supervisor “It doesn’t get worse than this.”

–

Editor’s note: Story has been extensively updated to include additional details and comments from government officials, community and city leaders.

148 comments for "Sheriff’s sergeant slain in Lancaster"

  1. 1. [removed] Sergeant Owen he was a racist cop, When he was at Palmdale high he would always harrass black and brown students who weren’t doing anything
    2. His “bravery” was based on looking sideways when his partners would profile when on patrol
    3. The fact that “they put on the uniform & risk dying” is a [removed] argument people of color can’t take off their skin and we get profiled, and harassed for it, and even in Palmdale we get killed by cops because of it.
    4. Most of the cops in the Lancaster sheriff station are inherently racist they know about the 1%er’s, the AB, in the AV but they focus on the black, brown, and Asian gangs but somehow can’t pick up a single aryan parolee
    5. Then these [removed] train as if they were in Iraq as if every [removed] day they get shot at, if you know the AV the shootings, stabbing, and [removed] like that happens but it’s sporadic not continuous
    6. R. Rex Paris doesn’t even take cases related to police brutality cause he was doing same [removed] as these cops when he was a cop
    7. All you cops that gathered for him don’t give two [removed] when you shoot [removed] in the back so [removed] you all and your little parade of “brotherhood”
    8.

    • Common insults made by cop haters:

      -Pig
      -Copsucker
      -Bootlicker

      Common facts about cop haters:

      -Criminal record

      • Exactly. When a felon is living in his girlfriends town home, and that is the best that he has, it is not the fault of the police that your bad decisions have left you with an unfulfilled life.

        These types develop a hatred for all things law enforcement. Your average law abiding citizen doesn’t have the hate, rage and utter disrespect for the police because they have no reason.

    • Maybe because the Aryan parolee are a lot smarter when it comes to getting in trouble, they learn their lesson the first time….they use their common sense ….most crimes committed out here in the AV , are mostly committed by the blacks or Hispanics and they continue to do it cuz they don’t know how to get a job, continue to sell drugs, continue living off of family and friends, or numerous baby mamas,i involved in robbery, assault, harassment, hmm. What else??? So yeah, officers risk their lives every day, they choose to not knowing whats ahead in the day , because of the low life dead beats that go around causing bullshit for no good reason just cuz of boredom or plain stupidity or maybe cuz they are high on something…gang members choose to perform random acts of non important crap just to entertain themselves or others but interrupt other people’s lives that actually work hard for a living…people need to realize what’s really worth living for , and not focus so much on the BS….

  2. Actually this type of behavior was predictable. The poster children of BLM have been seeing the riots and anti-police propaganda from our dishonest media. The racist baiters and the media has been stoking this fire over the last 7 ½ years. The propaganda war on the police has metastasize into the cancer we now have. Your average criminal knows the picking are good with the current political environment. The lack of fear of the police is extremely low. Our law enforcement have been under siege by media, federal admiration and every political hacks from the east coast to the west coast. It is a good thing that at least our L.E. community still has a sense of honor, duty and commitment to continue to serve under this harsh conditions (just like our military with weak politicians ). I liked what the Dallas chief of police said after their officers were murdered. If you want to make a change apply for the job and work the street, like he did.

    • It certainly was predictable. I’ve been trying to convince cops for YEARS that continuing to set up law enforcement as the enemy of the public they serve would eventually lead to this kind of backlash. Unfortunately sycophants like yourself telling them that any misbehavior is acceptable to you and continuing to lick their badges sends the opposite message.

      • That’s funny. Tim, I’ve asked you multiple times why you don’t tell these alpha male cops all about your ideas at these community forums they put on. Your response has been that you’ve been advised against doing so for fear of retribution by these deputies.

        Now you spin the tale that you’ve been the shining beacon for YEARS? Come on now Tim. You’re just another criminal blaming the deputies for your own missed opportunities, while trying to regale readers here about how you’re a pillar of socialistic success.

      • No woman/man is perfect except in their own mind. I submit for your superior intellect. Oh wise Grand Poohbah. =)

  3. The City of Lancaster spends over $90k per month on an Eye in the Sky that was absolutely useless to stop this loser because it doesn’t fly that far west. When will the citizens of Lancaster realize that “Boots on the Ground” are more important than an “Eye in the Sky?” We were promised that this boondoggle was supposed to help with this sort of garbage? Crime is up in Lancaster 15% while it’s down in Palmdale. When will Lancaster figure out that this thing is a failure?

    The City folks will huff and bluster, but the bottom line is, a good cop is dead. Who knows now if the extra deputies would have made a difference. That’s something the Lancaster leadership will have to deal with, assuming that they have consciences, that is.

    • No one could have predicted this and had correlation with lack of the police duty do not put blame on our community because of a humans horrible and disgusting actions. It is rebellion within society not our failure as a community. Please respect our fallen and remove your excuses of blame. With all do respect .

    • The thing is a failure, but the thing is leased on a long term contract. The crony Wrecks paid off will collect in full no matter who figures out that it is a complete scam.

      As to any twinge of conscience from Wrecks or his rubber stamp council, don’t hold your breath.

  4. My condolences to the family. We have lost a hero, a man of true principles and honor. A man who’s life was taken to early from his family. My kids attended the same school as his Sgt Owens children in Lancaster. Today they were talking about Sgt Owen coming to their class and talking about being a deputy and showing the kids his car. We are so sorry for the family and what they have to go through, again our deepest condolences. Know that Sgt Owen made an impact others, my wife and I want thank Sgt Owen and his family for showing our children (now adults) what a true hero is…our prayers are with you all……

    We too were long time residents of Palmdale/Lancaster but so much change (not good change) was happening that we had to leave. I hope all those involved get there due, but my solace comes knowing that in HELL they will truly get there due.

  6. This is such a sad case, I’ve lived in the antelope valley my whole life , i remember seeing this officer around. Very sadden by this but there are time when officers overstep they’re boundaries this just happen to be a case where they underestimated the situation… the antelope valley is getting worst as the days go on I’m not surprised to hear all the non stop violence and criminal acts that are starting to take place. i remember growing up in palmdale i use to never see the police or hear sirens but in todays time it more than common, we see it everyday.

  7. I hate Steve had to loose his life to get that idiot off the streets. I hope he will never see the light of day outside prison. Praying for Steve family.

  8. The big city violence is escalating in our little valley. The criminals are taking this city over and we need more sheriffs on the streets. Rex Parris, are you and the city council are listening?? Just look at the crime report in our local paper to see how bad it is getting and the locations of that criminal behavior. Gov. Jerry Brown wants to give hard time prisoners the right to vote? Give me a break, they lost that right when they broke the law, and how many of them would understand or care who they would be voting for or against? The laws are here to control and protect society. Dep. Steve Owen, who I understand, did that job with an abundance of humanity. His killing is a crime, and our law abiding community is the poorer for his loss.

    • We don’t need more police.. We need Lancaster and Palmdale to legalize concealed carry.. It might be like the Wild West at first.. But trust me.. Once the nuckle head thugs figure out everyone is packing and not gonna put up with crap, they’ll think twice before trying to commit a crime..

    • I believe R. Rex Parris has tried to do many things to remove the criminal element; however, he keeps getting shot down: he was accused of being racist for the Section 8 investigations, he was accused of wasting money on an over head surveillance system, he has been accused of being inhumane for trying to clean up The Blvd. I think he is listening, now let him do something about it.

      • Sorry, I don’t give credit to a lawyer/mayor who’s understanding of basic law is so poor that his “trying” has been so grossly unconstitutional that it has cost his city, the county, and even the neighboring city that got caught up in his gross misbehavior somehow millions of dollars. Or maybe his understanding was adequate but the racist prick just couldn’t resist.

        He has been accused, not of wasting money on his overhead spy nonsense project, but of using said nonsense project to line a known crony’s pockets with city funds. That accusation appears to be pretty solid, and hopefully someday soon Wrecks can follow the former mayor of Bell (previously the only city in southern California cursed with a more corrupt city government than Lancaster) into prison.

        Pretty much any mention of the Boondogglevard project speaks for itself, and says nothing nice about Wrecks.

      • Sorry, I don’t give credit to a lawyer/mayor who’s understanding of basic law is so poor that his “trying” has been so grossly unconstitutional that it has cost his city, the county, and even the neighboring city that got caught up in his gross misbehavior somehow millions of dollars. Or maybe his understanding was adequate but the racist just couldn’t resist.

        He has been accused, not of wasting money on his overhead spy nonsense project, but of using said nonsense project to line a known crony’s pockets with city funds. That accusation appears to be pretty solid, and hopefully someday soon Wrecks can follow the former mayor of Bell (previously the only city in southern California cursed with a more corrupt city government than Lancaster) into prison.

        Pretty much any mention of the Boondogglevard project speaks for itself, and says nothing nice about Wrecks.

  9. Condolence to his immediate family and his LASD family. He was the finest example of the L.E. community. As for the Murder he is an excellent example of the BLM’s poster child roster and a credit to his family. His family will cry out that he had mental health issues if they speak. We the tax payers and the SGT Owen’s family will “never” see justice serviced on this poster child. Even if convicted of first degree murder with a sentence of death. We the tax payers will NEVER see him pay for his crime of murder of one of OUR LASD FINEST. We the tax payers will be paying for his legal defend and others fees for this Poster Child’s endless appeals. Should the people of this state vote the end death for murders (prop 62), it will not save the tax payers a “dime” of money because of the endless appeals and every legal challenges the lawyers will continue regardless of lack of the death sentence because it is the right of the convicted MURDER. The murder (Sepy Orozco) of Deputy Jerry Ortiz, in 2005, is still alive and kicking waiting for the voters to give him a reprieve under prop 62. We the tax payers and victims of the LAWLESS demand JUSTICE.

  10. What kind of so called News Reporting Agency (I say that with sarcasm), allows these horrible comments literally the day after his death. Are you desperate? Your name says A.V. Times, grow a pair Editors and support our community during this tragic time.

    NoPolice State, AVLocal and the piece of cra Tim Scott…

    • This is neither the time nor the place for your crybaby nonsense about me.

      As you say…grow a pair.

  12. Today we mourn the loss of a man who dedicated his life to serving his community with integrity and honor. How many days did you miss special moments with your family so we could feel safe. How many nights was your family missing your presence so the rest of us could sleep sound. How many times were you disrespected, called a racist, a murderer, a pig, spit on, punched and kicked? How many times did you get two or three hours sleep only to return to your post. Sergeant you can now rest easy knowing that you have completed your mission and God is well pleased with your sacrifice. Tomorrow the community will forget the sacrifice you made but the the men and women who serve the cause and believe in this country will never forget. Godspeed Sergeant you are ok for end of watch.

    • Nobody has said anything that can even compare to what you’ve written Bobby G!! Somehow it needs to be put at the very top of the comments so it is seen….constantly! And can hide any and all ugly comments!!
      Godspeed Sgt. Owen on Angel’s wings!!

    • Bobby G. That was very well said, and a beautiful sentiment for Sgt. Owen and his family. I concur!

  13. I could only see this tragedy turning into an eventual race war. Instead of honoring the life-and-death of a hero who gave close to 30 years of his life along with his life to the city, racist propaganda is brought up instead. I’m sure Russia and/or China will make great conquerors should Trump and his racist agenda pass.

    • This was a murder commited by someone who clearly didn’t think about what the right thing to do, when he woke up, was on Oct 5, 2016. That is who did this, who is responsible. No one else. Stop making excuses.

      Seriously. Do you really think that some political canidate or any goverment is going to ever 100 percent put an end to things like this; if you do, you really are misguided.

      It doesn’t matter who is running the goverment, it doesn’t matter what special interest groups are out there. It will happen.

      This is a horrible, tragic event. It could have been even worse if those teenagers had been the ones that creep found first! Think about that for a moment before you soap box your agenda.

      Shame on you for trying to make this into a propaganda piece veiled with condolences. This isn’t the place, time or venue.

  14. Sad,sad day! I saw people from all walks of life come together to show one thing.
    They are All people who hurt when Tragedy strikes ! God bless the Deputy , his family and all the other people affected whether law officers , civic leaders or the public!

  17. Tim here is another criminal you can defend ???? I say they should have finished him on the spot now we have to spend so much on keeping him alive not worth it.

  18. thank-you Sgt. Steve Owen for protecting your community and my deepest
    sorrow to your wife and children, Be with God Now.

  19. Thoughts of healing for the entire family and those who were close to him at work. Though I never met him, a human being lost his life trying to protect others. May God give his wife and the officers mother the strength to endure what they will have to deal with in the next few days. Death is hard and it hurts so many people. To the young boys who were held up in the home – I pray that time will also heal your heart from fear or any anxiety you may face from this. When I saw your mother on TV telling of how you cleaned/bandaged the wounds of the shooter, I was in awe of what wonderful boys she raised. Pray for our children that they would just do what is right in life and walk away from doing wrong. I have two boys myself and they are grown now but I sent through some tough times with them when they were teenagers and I just don’t wish this upon any mother. I pray every teenage boy and young men get their lives together and do good with it. We only have one life. Even one day spent in jail is a waste of life. I can’t imagine 25 years to life.

  20. since liberals want to ban the death penalty, why have a trial for the scumbag who killed the Deputy?

    • Don’t we have trials for the scumbag cops that kill unarmed people? Why is this different? Oh, I know, because the law is applied differently for some, double standard much?!

      • What the hell are you talking about? A good man was just gunned down protecting someone’s property from a burglar, and all you can do is talk about a double standard. You must be related! Go back into your hole troll! Show some respect that this man deserves getting gunned down doing what most people wouldn’t dare do, like you!

        • @copsupporter
          Who is a troll you moron? This is the first time you comment here, you must be the troll. Everyone has the right to a trial, like it or not that’s just common sense which you seem to lack a large amount of- duh!

      • Micky B- there is just too much misunderstanding in your post to reply adequately. Your post assumes that if there is no death penalty, there is no need for a trial. Hmmm. Maybe a trial is necessary to figure out what the actual facts were and what the guy is guilty of? If you are a “conservative” you should believe in the principles of the constitution, which guarantee a fair trial by a jury of the mans peers with the presumption of innocence. Have you heard of those concepts?

      • HE was armed was he going to kill the homeowner?????GUESS that’s the end of your argument

  21. What many of you don’t know is that Owen was a dirty cop. Him and Welle and their group are as dirty as the day is long. The steal drugs and money and keep it without filing cases. They threaten and terrorize people they think are undesirable in the AV even tho they have committed no crimes. They intimidate people into falsely testifying with threats to thei families. They plant evidence and lie under oath. I hate to speak ill of the dead but this must be said. He was loved by some some but those of us who grew up here know the truth about Sgt. Owen. My heart goes out to his family, no matter what kind of man he was. I truly hope he is redeemed for his sins and is in a better place.

    • Without disputing this, even I really don’t think this is the time or place for it. Focus on dirty cops who are alive and in position to continue being dirty cops is the better plan, I think.

      • Yeah, like the dirty cop @coplover, I mean, @copsupporter that commented above and called me a troll. Betcha he is also a cop. Poor guy, new to commenting. For trolling examples he should look for the name Shane Falco.

    • You’re a disgrace and are probably guilty of committing similar crimes. I pray for your ignorance.

    • How do you come to this conclusion? You’re just an internet troll with too much time on your pathetic hands!

      • I have heard many of the same things from multiple sources about Sgt. Owen and Welle as well. But no matter what he did or how dirty he was, he didn’t deserve to die like that. Condolences to his family.

        • Alot of people in these comments have said that unarmed people shot by the police mustve deserved it. Just saying……

    • Ru talking ’bout the same men and women who have to walk in to a crime scene where there are babies and have to stay there for hours

    • Mentioning me in the same sentence as Steve? The same group even ( we work in separate units so I am not sure what you mean by this)? I could not be more honored. Steve set the gold standard for proactive police work. Some may ask why I would be honored, considering your accusations. That’s easy, they are typical mud slinging. They aren’t worth the time you took to type them. Again, thanks to you and James for the honor.

      • You have been thoroughly brainwashed into believing that you are working for a virtuous system. Natural Law has it’s own way of balancing the scales, and that is what you have witnessed. Fight it all you want, the truth is always manifest. Your operations are a burden on taxpayers and a detriment to real liberty. You have to start questioning the lies you are weened on. I guess one look at the partner might be a form of unspoken advice.

  22. R.I.P SGT. OWEN. as an AV resident for the past 30 years we have seen the changes in the AV. so much Violence. The AV is mourning the loss of a great law enforcer. All of this black lives matter crap is the most stupidest thing ever. If you are not doing anything wrong why would you get shot from police. this is prime situation of this. Serving in the Marine Corps makes me have respect for Law Enforcement. Go and join Law Enforcement. get shot at. Be in life or death situation then you can judge. Sgt. Owen you are a great man who chose to make a difference and keep us safe from scumbags that are overtaking the AV. Lets gets these scumbags out the AV!!

    • you have apparently missed the videos of black men doing nothing wrong, and being shot to death by the police. ..how, i dont know.

  24. I’m so sorry for your loss Owens family. This is truelly a sad tragedy. RIP…. Protector and angel. I wish the world would change for the better…. People think they can break into homes take lives…. Hurt, kill and destroy others… These men and women are doing a dangerous job we all need to remember this. May god hold your family through the healing process. Thank you Sargeant angel in heaven. Thank you for being one of my many protectors love you LASD sorry for your loss.

  25. I was just driving down the 14 freeway on my way to work, there are fire fighters with their engines looking down on every over pass of the freeway all the way to santa clarita, talk about heart braking! this needs to stop. I couldnt help but to get sad and happy at the same time. RIP Sgt. Owen

  26. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. For a Seargant to be out on the streets and chasing down criminals speaks volumes of his work ethic and dedication to his community. Thank you Sgt Owens and thank you to the rest of the Deputies and Law Enforcement that are there to help us when in need. Be safe out there.

  27. Leave it to the Rex supported morons Miguel Coronado, Henry Hearns, Pharoah, and Daren Parker to turn a vigil into a political stunt. Like your daddy Rex, you lap dogs have no class.

    • Disgusted Your a JERK! Those men were showing their support for the Men and Women that protect us from Scumbags! To the Owens Family you are in our prayers.

    • Not appropriate comment! Community came together to support a Sheriff killed! Not a political stunt . Sorry you saw it that way. I am sure all that gathered didn’t see it as a political stunt but a community grieving and mourning the loss of one of their own that was “proud to serve and protect” .

    • I have to agree with you @Disgusted- I was really disappointed that these “community leaders” chose to turn it into what, IMHO, was self-promotion. “I this” and “I that” was what I kept hearing, especially from Coronado. Lackey & Knight were a welcome break from the rest of them and Hearns at least acknowledged Sgt. Owens personally.
      It was hopeful to see all the people that turned out to honor Sgt. Owen but I think it went sideways because of most of the speakers.
      May you rest in peace Sergeant Steve Owen.

  29. My prayers go out to the Owen family in this time of loss. May he be in a better place and ask God to bring comfort to the famchrily and friends.

  31. It’s all a big misunderstanding you see. The suspect was actually a good boy. He was getting his life together and attending bible study. He was evangelizing in the neighborhood when he heard a neighbor scream. Being the good samaritan that he is, he went inside the house and found an old lady that was scared. At that point, someone began to enter the house, and the good samaritan shot the officer in self-defense. He was getting his life together! He was attending college! He was gonna cure cancer! He was a good boy! He didn’t do nothing!

    • He was an obvious criminal with a gun. Your BS doesn’t help make progress in solving a real problem in America.

    • The point of today is simple. A good man was killed doing his job. A husband, a father, a son, a brother, an officer. I feel my heart break for the family of Sgt. Owen and unnamed officer. A MAN WAS KILLED for an unnecessary reason. If the suspect was turning his life around, explain to me and the rest of Antelope Valley why he was armed in the first place. California does not participate as a concealed carry state. Therefore this “good boy” should never have been armed. He did very wrong in taking an innocent man’s life. He shot instead of calling the police himself. I’m sorry, but my respects are for our Fallen Hero Sgt. Owen. He was doing his job. RIP Sgt. Owen prayers to his loved ones.

    • Your a dipstick…. Have some respect! A husband and father was killed by a person whom should not have had a gun period! He’s on parol… Which means no guns allowed!!! He wasn’t saving nobody! Now he will have plenty of bible time behind bars! People like you making excuses for punks is why our society sucks!

    • Why would such a good Samaritan have a gun on him in the first place. Sure, they always claim self defense.

    • And this good samaritan was evangelizing in the neighborhood with a gun in his hand???? Sgt. Owen was there because of a call from the neighborhood that was being burglarized and he responded to that call. The “good samaritan” was on parole and illegally carrying a weapon to defend himself while he was “evangelizing”???? To stand over Sgt. Owen after shooting him in the face and putting four more shots into the Sgt. was really “doing nothing”…..GET REAL and wake up!!!! Folks, you really can’t fix STUPID!!!!

  32. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the Owen family and the LASD that continues to keep our communities safe. Thank you Sgt. Owen for your service!

  33. I cried and I prayed when I heard the news regarding Sgt. Owen. I knew him or his family not. He was doing his work to save others. Execute
    the Killer. He doesn’t deserve a trial nor to linger in jail on my tax or any taxe’s payers money. May God give comfort to the Owen’s family. I am still crying. Lord please help.

  34. RIP Sgt. Steve Owen. He caught the call when I was a crime victim last year. I was hysterical; when the other deputies started to lose patience with me, he calmed me down, treated me as a person in pain, and helped me through the process. Truly a loss for Lancaster & the LASD.

  36. Sarge, thank you. You gave 29 years of excellence service to the people of Los Angeles County. I’m heartbroken that it ended like this.

  37. A very sad day in the AV…Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice Sgt. Owen…My deepest condolences to his Family for their loss.

  38. Very sad, for his officer….

    ..but that just means that the rest of the Department is gonna take it out on everyone else. Watch out for police everywhere, hassling people for the littlest things, profiling black men and latinos on the street, and handing out traffic tickets like there is no tomorrow!

    Ive seen this before in East LA, where i’m from: every time a cop is killed, the rest of the Force uses it as an excuse to create a police state! They gotta take thier frustration out somehow…I’d stay low for a few days people…

    • This is no place for your rude political BS.. May the Sargent rest in peace..HIS LIFE MATTERED.

    • @No Police State! You are part of the problem, always looking to blame the cops. Why would you need to “stay low”? Is it because you do the stuff that brings attention to you from the cops? Please stay low for an indefinite period of time since we obviously don’t need the likes of you out in our community.

      • Not as big a part of the problem as the sycophantic faithful that elevate cops to “they do no wrong” status. Which you may well be an example of.

        I told my girlfriend exactly the same thing. If she happens to get pulled over she needs to be aware that the gun toting guy coming towards her is probably far more on edge than usual. To ignore that fact in the name of “support our police” would just be stupid.

    • Go back to East L.A. We have enough ignorant and vengeful people moving here and causing an increase in crime. Rest in Paradise Sgt. Prayers and condolences to the Owens family.

      • Suuuuuuuuure there’s not. No edgy cop has EVER shot someone that wasn’t a criminal, ever.

        This is exactly the kind of sycophantic nonsense i was talking about as being a big part of our current problems. Thanks for the demo.

        • That’s the Tim we all know. This parolee had a lengthy criminal record beginning as a teenager, and included 11 arrests, two stints in state prison and was even arrested while on parole but your Prop 47 support enables these bad guys to stay out on the streets.

          You know, for all these edgy and corrupt cops you claim are out here just looking to harrass, frame and kill people, you’d think that guys like Trenton Lovell would have been taken out a long time ago, but it’s the antelope valley where the Tim Scotts and Michelle Egberts of the world welcome them and defend their behavior against the cops just looking to hassle the dindu’s.

          • You’re right, this guy’s may not be the shooter. Let me guess he was only taking refuge in the house with the teenagers because the racist cop shot him for no reason after he was being a good neighbor by making sure the house wasn’t being robbed?

    • The enforcers have no understanding of Constitutionally protected Rights, and limited government power. It is a Police State.

      • Hey “Ghost” are you high? Your foil hat is way too tight. The spaceship that picked you up last week and “probed” you really messed with your brain…

  39. My heart felt condolences to the Sergeant’s family and friends both on and off the Dept. I broke down in my garage because with everything going on as is this hit close to home. I want the Sheriffs Department to know that I support them mentally in their time of loss and all the good in them and their bravery to be able to leave their own homes and put their lives on the line so good people out here who just want to live their lives in peace are able to do so with the presence of safety. Especially after this. I know the tension will run thick throughout the A.V. and elsewhere but through God all things are possible and time heals all. I lost my daughters father in the same manner though he was not a Deputy the feeling of loosing a loved one is indescribable. R.I.P Sgt and thank you for all of your impacts on the community.

  41. May you Rest In Peace Sgt. Owens. Thank you for your service sir, there is still a community that truly appreciates what you did and all that our law enforcement does for us. May you rest in peace. My prayers and condolences to your wife, kids and family.

  42. RIP SGT. Owens — gone too soon. In our hearts and in our prayers. May GOD watch over your family. Angel in heaven.

  43. He paid the ultimate price for Protecting and Serving our community.
    May god bless him, his family and his extended family who also protect and serve our community. God Bless you all.

  44. Why did Mayor Parris have to divulge the details about what part of the body Sgt. Owen was shot at. As usual he trying to get some limelight on himself. How dare he dishonor and disrespect Sgt Owen, LASD, and especially his poor family. My deepest condolences to Sgt Owens family and to LASD. Rest in Peace Sgt Owen and thank for your service.

    • Yesterday at an LAPD press conference for the shooting of an armed felon, the black lives matter protesters specifically pointed out that not only are the bulletproof vests “an unfair advantage” for police officers, but officers should also not fire or return fire because the vests stop bullets.

      I am sure that’s why he referenced where he was shot.

    • Because the “law and order” mayor has to inflame fears of lawlessness at every opportunity, in every way he can. He has no concern for any harm that may do, to anyone.

  45. I didn’t know Deputy Sgt Steve Owens, RIP….. My heart and prayers goes out to his family. I pray for strength and healing in his family.

  46. God bless his Family and Thank you so much for your service Lancaster Sheriff. Rest in Heaven Sergeant Steve Owens.

  47. I called the Lancaster station and let them know I was sorry for their loss.
    As a long time resident of A.V. that was the least I could do.
    Yes sad day for LASD and A.V.

  49. Prayers and thoughts to Sgt Owens wife, children and family. He has angel wings now. RIP

  51. I hope the person who shot him rots in jail. An innocent man was killed today trying to help someone who was being robbed. RIP SGT. :(

  52. Rest Easy….

    Thank you for the years of service to the County of Los Angeles. Prayers to L.A.S.D and the Owens family.

  53. I don’t here people protesting the death of a public servant in the hands of a criminal. God bless this hero who gave his life to protect us. May you test in heaven Sargeant Owen. We are thankful for people like you who sacrifice their lives for the safety of us. God bless all police officers around the world. You guys are true heroes.

    • No need to protest. This killing will be thoroughly investigated and the killer vigorously prosecuted. Protests are only necessary when a fair investigation and prosecution is unlikely to happen without it.

      Condolences to the families.

      • My sincerest condolences to the Owen family and the Lancaster Sheriff’s Department. That felon should never have been out of prison in the first place. There is plenty to protest, Tim Scott. Number one is Jerry Brown’s failed early prison release program of dumping his problems off onto the counties. He had dumped his state prison trash into our over-burdened LA County jail system and onto the streets of the Antelope Valley. It is out of control. Epic Fail.

  55. Steve was a great guy, this angers me because he just wants to get home to his family and because of some piece of [removed] he no longer gets to walk through that door and see his wife. But if it were the other way around all hell would break loose because a cop shoot at a guy who was burglarizing someones home. He was just doing his job. Prayer to his family, i can only imagine the pain they are in right now. :(
    Steve you will be remembered

    • wtf are you talking about? no body feels sorry for burglers its the innocent people cops shoot on an almost weekly basis that makes people upset.

      • But I am sure some of those killed are not so innocent, I agree with “sad angry all the above” if it would of been the other way around people would of been out rioting, Are “Sheriffs Lives Not Matter?”

    • The cops have been doing their job, and for some reason people claim their lives matter? Why? They are the ones doing the crime, [removed] ! If their lives really matter, stop doing the crime and commit to the time and consequences!! Or find something that doesn’t cause you to get shot or arrested! RIP Sergeant Owen, you are a true hero who was just doing your job !!

    • He was riding the hog and subsidized meal ticket for three decades. He chose it. His ticket was punched. 187.

  56. My Sympathy and condolences to his family and friends….He will truly be missed. Rest in Paradise Deputy Owens….

  57. This not right for our law enforcement ,to loose one of there own over some low life 3 time loosed ,because are prisons are over crowded ,wake up gov. Brown get ur head out of ur butt keep these low life’s lock up as far as this guy I would have shot him dead ,even if he was white,black,Mexican,Chinese, he shouldn’t be alive .

    • How do you know this has anything to do with prisons being crowded or with Governor Brown having his head wherever? They haven’t even released the shooter’s name

      • Disregard my last comment. I don’t watch TV and so I had not heard the latest. I just played the video of the news story on here and you are correct, the reporter did say “we are told [the suspect] is on active parole”….

      • I totally agree with Linda ,butt gov. Has his head up his butt and others death penalty needs to come back very soon to stop this state and country

  59. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Steve Owens who died after being shot during tjis incident. Its even more of a tragedy because it happened by ssomeone trying to rob and take something they had no right to. My thoughts are also with the many women and men of LASD who continue to put their lives on the line every day.

  60. Aw man….Steve was a really great guy. Just another reminder that when guys are committing a burglary and the deputies roll up with guns drawn, this is the reason.

    Deputy Owen has a wife with LASD and great kids.

    • Sad day in A.V.
      Sgt. Owens will be missed, He did LASD proud.
      prayers for his family and all his deputy families.

      • Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with your Family!.

  61. At the end he just realize how many deputies are in the av area… I mean hello it’s AV they drive in unmarked units all day… on situation like this they are in there squad car to let it be know there are enough units ready…

    • Government loves spending citizen/subject money. It’s a gravy train for people who produce nothing of value and self-annointed kings of the plantation.

    • The level of spying and surveillance is commensurate to a third world Police State.