Deputy David March

EOW 04/29/02

The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Leroy D. Baca announced today that Deputy David March 33, a seven year veteran of the department assigned to Temple Sheriff Station was shot and killed while attempting to conduct a traffic stop at approximately 10:39 this morning. Deputy David March was a resident of Santa Clarita and is survived by his wife.

Deputy David March initiated the traffic stop at Live Oak and Peck Road. Irwindale. The driver of the vehicle exited his car an met the deputy halfway between the patrol car and the suspects vehicle. A confrontation ensued between the deputy and the suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and fired at the deputy several times striking him in the upper torso. The suspect fled the scene eastbound on Live Oak Avenue to southbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, and out of sight.

According to witnesses, it is believed that there were two other occupants in the suspect vehicle, which is described as a dark blue or black Nissan late 1980's model with chrome rims. Homicide investigators are asking for the assistance of anyone who witnessed the incident to please come forward or call Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Sheriff Baca would like to express his condolence to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy March, and let them know the hopes and prayers of the entire department are with them. He would also like to thank those individuals who supplied information leading to the detention of one of the suspects. Investigators are exhaustively following up every other lead and will continue to do so until all perpetrators are brought to justice.