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CHP Officer Fatally Shot
Posted on September 12, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
While doing his duty, a California Highway Patrol officer was fatally shot in Alamo on the Interstate 680. The incident happened on Tuesday, September 4 during the morning rush. The officer, 37-year old Kenyon Youngstrom, was shot in the southbound shoulder near the Livorna Road. Youngstrom had pulled over Christopher Lacy and spoke to him for about 30 seconds before being shot at. His partner was also with him, driving another police car.
Youngstrom’s shooter, 36-year old Christopher Boone Lacy, was shot and killed after he killed the police officer by Youngstrom’s partner. Lacy is a Northern California resident from Corning. He had formerly been treated for mental health problems according to his father. Lacy had been diagnosed as bipolar and put on medication during his stay at a hospital when he suffered a psychotic break.
Shot in the neck, Youngstrom’s spinal cord was severed. He was transferred to a nearby hospital, John Muir Medical Center, and put on life support. He passed away on Wednesday as he was taken off life support, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Flags around the area were lowered in honor of the CHP officer. On Thursday, investigators tried to find a motive for the killing. Lacy was pulled over for driving with an obstructed license plate. Officer Youngstrom briefly spoke with him when Lacy pulled out a gun and opened fire.
As officials arrived at the scene of the crime, they found a semi-automatic handgun, two loaded ammunition magazines, and a knife at the suspect’s Jeep. The officer approached the Jeep Wrangler from the front when he was shot without warning by Lacy.
One CHP worker announced, “This is a very sad day for the CHP as well as for all Californians…On behalf of the men and women of the California Highway Patrol, I wish to thank all of those who have kept Officer Youngstrom, his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.” The officer will be getting his name on a plaque placed near the area where he was killed.
California Highway Patrol do their best to protect drivers out in the highways. From car accidents to managing traffic, police officers protect the public to the best of their abilities. However, tragic incidents happen when some individuals choose to not follow the law or be aggressive in their tactics. Sadly, one man loss his life in a wrongful death accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident, consult with an injury attorney today.
