LANCASTER, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on the memorial for a sheriff’s sergeant killed in Lancaster (all times local):
10:15 a.m.
A church in the California desert community of Lancaster is packed with mourners honoring a Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant who was gunned down during a burglary investigation.
A phalanx of officers saluted and a lone bagpiper played as Sgt. Steve Owen’s flag-draped coffin was carried into Lancaster Baptist Church on Thursday. Pastor Paul Chappell welcomed visitors including Owen’s family, Gov. Jerry Brown and hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the nation.
Chappell called Owen a “cop’s cop,” a great investigator and a community leader.
A mounted sheriff’s unit gathered at formation while Owen’s horse, Max, stood by, riderless. The sergeant’s mother, Millie, gave the horse a hug before entering the church.
Owen, a 29-year sheriff’s veteran, was fatally shot Oct. 5.
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8:30 a.m.
Dozens of police motorcycles and cruisers are leading a procession to the memorial service for a Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant who was gunned down in Lancaster.
The motorcade is winding through Antelope Valley neighborhoods on its way to Thursday’s ceremony at Lancaster Baptist Church for Sgt. Steve Owen.
Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from all over the U.S. are expected to attend along with Owen’s family, Gov. Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Owen, a 29-year sheriff’s veteran, was shot on Oct. 5 as he answered a report of a burglary at an apartment building in the high desert city north of Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say a gunman shot Owen, then stood over him and fired four more shots.
Trenton Lovell, a paroled robber with a long arrest record, has been charged with murder.
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2:30 a.m.
Gov. Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala D. Harris say they’ll attend a memorial service for a Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant who was gunned down in Lancaster.
The service is set for Thursday morning at Lancaster Baptist Church.
Owen, a 29-year sheriff’s veteran, was shot on Oct. 5 as he answered a report of a burglary at an apartment building in the city north of Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say a gunman shot Owen, then stood over his body and fired four more shots.
Authorities say the killer aimed the gun at another deputy, stole Owen’s patrol car, rammed another patrol car, and held two teenagers at knifepoint before he was arrested.
Trenton Lovell, a paroled robber with a long arrest record, has been charged with murder.
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