UPDATE: Flags Fly at Half Staff for Salinas Police Officer Shot Dead Friday During Traffic Stop
SALINAS (CBS SF) -- Flags are now being flown at half-staff at all municipal buildings throughout Monterey County in memory of a Salinas police officer killed in the line of duty as he conducted a traffic stop late Friday evening.
The officer, 30-year-old Officer Jorge David Alvarado, was shot and killed while making a traffic stop at Griffin and East Market streets around 10:41 p.m. Friday, according to Salinas police Chief Roberto Filice.
A suspect was arrested and is in custody as the investigation continues.
"The officer stayed in the fight to the end and paid the ultimate price," Filice said during a noon press conference Saturday.
The Monterey County district attorney's office is heading an investigation into the shooting, district attorney Jeannine Pacioni said during the press conference.
Alvarado was a five-year veteran of the Salinas police department.
"Please support and embrace our police department," Salinas mayor Kimbley Craig said. "They are hurting and they need to know they have your support."
"Officer Alvarado's heroic action during the confrontation directly led to the arrest of the suspect," according to a statement posted on the Salinas Police Department's website Saturday.
"We share the grief with SPD and the Alvarado family and will be here to support them in every way possible," the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
Monterey County supervisor Luis Alejo tweeted: "Our prayers go out to the officer's family & friends. We are heartbroken at this tragic loss of our dedicated officer."
The area was blocked for several hours overnight after the shooting as investigators collected evidence and talked to witnesses.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact police at (831) 758-7321 or at the anonymous TIP Line (831) 775-4222.
The Monterey Weekly reports it's the first time in nearly 80 years that a Salinas police officer has been killed in the line of duty.
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