Typical Friday morning, atypically heavy traffic. I pull onto I-5 over by 43rd Avenue, and the Caltrans sign just about takes my breath away. “Officer Shot, White Chevy Van, Call 911″. I look around as if the van is nearby, and realize that’s why the traffic is so bad. EVERYONE is looking around. Every white vehicle larger than a VW is under suspicion.

I turn on the radio and the report is that the van driver allegedly shot the officer over by the Jackson Highway. Not really near where I am now, on I-5. The officer, when found, was unconscious without a pulse. Apparently he was revived enough for surgery but is in critical condition. (Good luck to him and to his family–)

I’ve been shocked awake, and wonder about a person who is desperate enough to shoot a police officer. That person is probably panicky, afraid, and willing to do just about anything. Stay alert out there.

Update: The Officer has died. Leaves behind a wife and 6 year old child. Read more here.

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1. Breaking News - Shooting at Luther Burbank High School
2. Cold case: 7 months later
3. Juxtapositions
4. Funeral procession downtown tomorrow
5. If you want to hide, call the paper?