Deputy Jerry Ortiz, 35 years old, worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, assigned to Operations Safe Streets Bureau. He served as a law enforcement officer for 15 years.
Summary
On Friday, June 24, 2005, at approximately 1513 hours, Deputy Jerry Ortiz, assigned to Operation Safe Streets Bureau - Gang Enforcement Team at Lakewood Station, was working near Norwalk Boulevard and 222nd Street when it is believed that he recognized Jose Luis Orozco, 27, who was wanted for an assault, walking in the area. When Orozco saw Deputy Ortiz, he ran away through a nearby alley eastbound to 223rd Street and out of sight. Deputy Ortiz checked the area for Orozco, contacting several residents standing outside, but was unable to locate him.
Deputy Ortiz then contacted a female resident of a downstairs apartment located at 12215 east 223rd street, Hawaiian Gardens. Deputy Ortiz noticed a male and other female occupants inside the apartment. While remaining on the front porch, he requested to see identification for the male. Deputy Ortiz was unaware that Orozco had sought refuge inside of this same apartment.
Orozco concealed himself behind the front door and watched Deputy Ortiz as he examined the identification of the other male. Although Deputy Ortiz posed no threat to Orozco, suspect Orozco chose to point a handgun at Deputy Ortiz through the open crack on the hinged side of the front door. Orozco fired one gunshot, which hit Deputy Ortiz in the head. Deputy Ortiz collapsed at the scene and Orozco fled on foot in an easterly direction.
Neighbors called 911 and Deputies responded, finding Deputy Ortiz shot at the location. Deputy Ortiz was removed from the immediate danger zone and airlifted to Los Angeles County Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, where he died as a result of his injury.
Following a subsequent area search by K-9s, special enforcement bureau conducted a search warrant at 12239 East 223rd Street, Hawaiian Gardens, and found suspect Orozco hiding in a room at the residence. The murder weapon was also recovered. Orozco was arrested and charged with multiple crimes and was ultimately convicted of murder with special circumstances on March 20, 2007.
Deputy Ortiz is survived by his wife Chela Ortiz, two children Jeremy and Jacob, his parents and siblings.
Memorial/Survivor Fund
Sheriff's Relief Fund # 285
c/o Sheriff's Relief Association
11515 S. Colima Road
Whittier, California 90604
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On Friday, June 24, 2005, at approximately 1513 hours, Deputy Jerry Ortiz, assigned to Operation Safe Streets Bureau - Gang Enforcement Team at Lakewood Station, was working near Norwalk Boulevard and 222nd Street when it is believed that he recognized Jose Luis Orozco, 27, who was wanted for an assault, walking in the area. When Orozco saw Deputy Ortiz, he ran away through a nearby alley eastbound to 223rd Street and out of sight. Deputy Ortiz checked the area for Orozco, contacting several residents standing outside, but was unable to locate him.
Deputy Ortiz then contacted a female resident of a downstairs apartment located at 12215 east 223rd street, Hawaiian Gardens. Deputy Ortiz noticed a male and other female occupants inside the apartment. While remaining on the front porch, he requested to see identification for the male. Deputy Ortiz was unaware that Orozco had sought refuge inside of this same apartment.
Orozco concealed himself behind the front door and watched Deputy Ortiz as he examined the identification of the other male. Although Deputy Ortiz posed no threat to Orozco, suspect Orozco chose to point a handgun at Deputy Ortiz through the open crack on the hinged side of the front door. Orozco fired one gunshot, which hit Deputy Ortiz in the head. Deputy Ortiz collapsed at the scene and Orozco fled on foot in an easterly direction.
Neighbors called 911 and Deputies responded, finding Deputy Ortiz shot at the location. Deputy Ortiz was removed from the immediate danger zone and airlifted to Los Angeles County Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, where he died as a result of his injury.
Following a subsequent area search by K-9s, special enforcement bureau conducted a search warrant at 12239 East 223rd Street, Hawaiian Gardens, and found suspect Orozco hiding in a room at the residence. The murder weapon was also recovered. Orozco was arrested and charged with multiple crimes and was ultimately convicted of murder with special circumstances on March 20, 2007.
Deputy Ortiz is survived by his wife Chela Ortiz, two children Jeremy and Jacob, his parents and siblings.
Memorial/Survivor Fund
Sheriff's Relief Fund # 285
c/o Sheriff's Relief Association
11515 S. Colima Road
Whittier, California 90604
Article Links
News Coverage I
LASD Memorial
Conviction
Death Sentence
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