MARTINEZ, Calif. (KCBS) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement Sunday saying he and his wife Maria were deeply saddened to learn Martinez Police Sgt. Paul Starzyk was killed in the line of duty in the city this weekend.
Investigators now say Starzyk died trying to save three women and three children from 49-year-old Felix Sandoval.
KCBS’ Henry Mulak Reports
They believe the father of three had been looking to attack his estranged wife Saturday when he went to her beauty salon on Pacheco Boulevard, then not finding her, went to her cousin's apartment behind the salon and shot 44-year-old Catalina Torres.
The Executive Director of Stand Against Domestic Violence, Gloria Sandoval, says Torres nearly lost her life in a domestic violence incident years ago.
”Essentially she was in a very, very dangerous battering situation, and was lucky to get out alive,” said Sandoval, who has no relation to the shooter. “She was an incredible mother to her children. She went through our shelter and transitional housing program, and continued to be an advocate for other women who were suffering from domestic violence until her death.”
KCBS’ Dave Padilla Reports
Police tell the Chronicle, Starzyk was shot by Sandoval while he was trying to enter the apartment to save three women and three children inside.
The suspect was shot and killed only after another officer sent in a police dog that pulled Sandoval down.
Authorities say Sandoval had recently been arrested for methamphetamine use.
Meanwhile, that fatal shooting was on the minds of everyone at the annual memorial mass for San Francisco police and firefighters.
The mood was somber as dozens of officials in their dress uniforms filled the pews at Saint Monica's Church. The mass is to honor the memories of San Francisco's first responders, but Starzyk and his family were also remembered.
KCBS’ Chris Filippi Reports
"Police officers are part of the community, not only sometimes working there, but living there as well. It's a loss for all of us," said San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong.
Fong says the killing of the Martinez officer, along with the upcoming anniversary of 9/11 are reminders of the dangers first responders face everyday.
(MGO)
