Sacramento County Sheriff deputy killed by gunfire, second wounded

SACRAMENTO (AP) - By JONATHAN J. COOPER
Associated Press

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (AP) -- One Sacramento County sheriff's deputy was killed Monday and another wounded after exchanging gunfire with a suspect at an auto shop just outside of the capital city.

A man, whose identity has not released, shot and killed 27-year-old Deputy Mark Stasyuk and injured Deputy Julie Robertson, 28, said Sheriff Scott Jones. They were responding to a call about a dispute between the suspect and an employee at Pep Boys auto shop. 

"It's incredibly difficult for all of us," Jones said outside the scene. 

The suspect and a bystander were also shot. Jones said he did not know the suspect's specific condition but that he was alert and talking to officers and was expected to survive. The bystander suffered non-life threatening injuries, Jones said. 

The suspect fired at Stasyuk and Robertson as soon as they encountered him, Jones said. Neither knew the suspect had a gun when they approached.

"As soon as they arrived and engaged the subject he turned as if to run or flee and then immediately turned around and started firing without warning," Jones said.

Stasyuk was struck in the "upper body," Jones said, while Robertson was hit in the arm. She returned fire as the suspect fled. He was taken into custody by to other officers, who also exchanged gunfire with him. 

Neither deputy was wearing a body camera.

The incident shut down a busy roadway in Rancho Cordova, a city just outside of Sacramento. 

Monday's shooting was the second fatal incident for the Sacramento County sheriff. Deputy Robert French was killed and two California Highway Patrol officers were wounded last August during an investigation into a car-theft ring in an unincorporated area outside Sacramento. 

"It's an incredible hole that never quite gets filled in the hearts of our department," Jones said. 

Stasyuk had been with the department for nearly five years, while Robertson has been there for two and a half. Both were assigned to patrol in Rancho Cordova, which contracts with the sheriff's office for law-enforcement services. 

"We are very thankful for his sacrifice and very sorrowful for his family," Mayor Linda Budge said of Stasyuk.

Gov. Jerry Brown issued a statement of condolence and said flags in the Capitol will be flown at half-staff in the deputy's honor.