![The incident happened around 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, in the parking lot of the strip mall in the 1700 block of East Avenue J in Lancaster. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Security-guard-shot-to-death-Lancaster-2.jpg)
Ulysses Escobar, 21, of Littlerock, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a vehicle parked at the strip mall around 7:05 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, in the 1700 block of East Avenue J, said Deputy Kimberly Alexander of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, she said.
Homicide detectives learned that Escobar and another security guard were sitting in the second security guard’s car when Escobar was shot, Alexander said.
“The death has been ruled an accident,” said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter. “He accidentally shot himself with his own weapon.”
The handgun was recovered at the scene, Alexander said.
Escobar was a security guard who worked for Lancaster-based Opsec Specialized Protection.
Loved ones have established an online memorial fund has been started for Escobar, known as “Tank” to his friends and family. To donate to this effort, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-ulysses-d-escobar
Previous related story: Security guard found shot to death in Lancaster
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jabba says
Highly superstitious because the speedy of the report from the coroner. Why hasn’t the co-workers name been published yet? Is he being protected, and by whom?
I remember someone dying in that same parking lot a couple of years or more ago.
Just respect the one that died. Could be the employer not wanting to pay if he was on duty when he died.
MommaKat says
I can tell you that this young man’s death has devastated OPSEC employees — he was a joyful person and this has been a profound loss–they knew it had to be an accident, whether the safety snagged on something and went off, or however it may have happened. The other officer in the vehicle was not actually a coworker, as he did not work for OPSEC, but works for GoodWill Industries, which has a store in that strip mall. At least, this is what I understand. I cannot imagine the emotional trauma the other officer must still be suffering from being a close-up witness to another person being launched into Eternity in one, horrifying split second. I believe our whole community is grieving over this young life and for all his family and friends.
Be equal says
Since when does being a security guard taking the one hour test to get your security guard license make you an officer this guy shot himself get over it the security guard companies don’t care they’re just covering their own backside if they cared why is the family have a online fundraiser for him when this security guard company makes millions
Anthony says
It is very unfortunate that you feel that way. OPSEC has been working very closely with the family to do everything in our power to be there for them in a time of need. You don’t have to believe me, ask the family. We at OPSEC love “Tank” with all our hearts and it really is horrible that these comments can surface at a time like this.
Anthony says
And for the record… In California, the guard card class is a 10 hour course, plus an additional 40 hours of training once the officer is employed. The Firearms class is a two day course; one day of classroom curriculum and a day on the range firing, cleaning and exploring the weapon. WE DON’T CUT CORNERS.
Anonomous says
The Second Guard was not employed by OPSEC, He is an employee of Goodwill Industries and whoever they Contract to do their security. OPSEC only Employed Mr. Escobar.
Stay careful and aware says
What matters is to remember the 4 basic rules of firearm safety. That explains all the “hows”. Firearms are not to be treated as nerf toys and high discipline and awareness needs to be kept. Does not matter if it is a security officer on duty or sheriff off duty in the desert for practice or a civilian at home cleaning the firearm.
Devil Woman says
I know a guy who works for the security company and he walk around and play with his gun when he’s off-duty all the time too hope you don’t shoot himself
AV supporter says
Let’s see what the security guard company do for his family absolutely nothing I’m pretty sure that they don’t even have life insurance
Justshutupalready says
Oh my god shut up. I can’t stand people like you. Always got your hand out when something happens. What’s the security company going to do for Himalayas his family??? Not a damn thing. He mishandled his weapon. And life insurance??? That’s his responsibility. Get over yourself.
AV supporter says
You should shut up a security company when you handling firearms putting your life at-risk should at least offer you life insurance and this company in particular treat their security guards like cops but with none of the benefits that cops have
You don't know nothing says
You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve been a PRIVATE armed security for 15 years and I don’t even get life insurance lol and I’m private security now imagine a corporate hahaha
AV supporter says
OMG you’re such a loser you only been a security guard most of your whole life come on the security guard test is the easiest test in the world most people I know have security guard license and there not even security guards that’s the problem with your security guards you’re not real police officers you’re just an idiot with a gun license that’s all and I would not be bragging about a job that doesn’t at least offer you life insurance when you put in your life at risk dead-end job
Bye bye says
Opsec what a joke
Sick of fools says
The security company had nothing to do with the shooting the guy was pretty stupid to be playing with a loaded gun
Bye bye says
What respect for the dead to have calling him stupid
Maria A. says
if at your place of work, you have to handle a loaded weapon……….
the company should offer life insurance!
thinkaboutit says
Life insurance isn’t any good when the cause of death is self-inflicted.
Laughing says
Unless it is an accidental discharge of course. Which this was deemed.
thinkaboutit says
Sorry, but that’s not what the insurance broker advised… I am in that line of work as well and its considered negligence which is not covered. There is a lot more to the story that media is not releasing.
Manny says
Can’t even think, how I would feel if a co-worker a friend or anyone else would shot them self in the head in front of me… hope the other security guard is okay poor guy…may you rest in peace Mr. Escobar…
jackey says
How exactly did he shoot himself in the head?
Don't matter says
That’s what I want to know
Kayla says
Maybe gun in Lap facing upwards playing with trigger
GustavoAmadoeVar says
It is not impossible to consider the possibility of the projectile ricocheting off of floor upward or ceiling downward or an odd and incredibly unfortunate type of event scenario . God bless him R.I.P.