Fund Established For Slain Vallejo Police Officer's Family
RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- Richmond police have established a memorial fund for the family of a 15-year veteran of the department who was slain in his Vallejo home allegedly by the father of his grandson on Thursday.
Officer Augustine "Gus" Vegas, 58, was fatally shot inside his home at 35 Narragansett Court in the Glen Cove neighborhood shortly before 4:40 a.m. Thursday, according to Vallejo police.
Robert Vega, 30, the father of Vegas' grandson, was arrested in Fairfield as a suspect in the murder later that day. Vega had also taken the 6-year-old boy when he fled after the shooting, police said.
"Everyone who worked with (Vegas) or knew him is devastated by his senseless killing," Richmond police Capt. Mark Gagan said. "And the impact of that loss will never go away."
Vegas, whose kindness was described by neighbors and police alike, was involved in the Vallejo nonprofit Foster Greatness, dedicated to providing for the needs of children in foster care.
Vegas was also a foster parent himself and had a large family.
"With 10 children and 20 grandchildren, many family members also depended on him financially," Gagan said. "We know that financial hardships complicate the healing process."
"We also know that when people hear about these tragic events they often want to offer their support," Gagan added.
Those wishing to donate to a memorial fund for the family can do so through Mechanics Bank using the account No. 041305213 and routing No. 121102036.
Lt. Felix Tan said funeral arrangements will be discussed with the family Friday but no service would be held until late next week or sometime thereafter.
