Off topic story
Law enforcement officers came from far and wide, from cities large and small, to honor slain Merced police officer Stephan Gray on Wednesday. Above, Gray's widow, Michelle Gray, and their 7-year-old-son, Isaiah, are escorted into St. Patrick's Catholic Church for Gray's memorial service. Isaiah was wearing his father's badge around his neck.
PHOTO: JACK BLAND/MERCED SUN-STAR
CHP officer shot and killed outside at Pomona courthouse
CHP officer shot and killed outside at Pomona courthouse
The Associated Press
Last Updated: April 22, 2004, 12:40:17 AM PDT
POMONA, Calif. (AP) - Authorities searched Thursday for the gunman who shot and killed a California Highway Patrol officer outside a courthouse where he was called to testify in traffic cases.
Thomas J. Steiner, 35, was shot three times about 3 p.m. while standing in front of the Pomona South Courthouse when the driver of a nearby car stepped out from behind the wheel and opened fire, witnesses told police. The shooter returned to the vehicle and sped away.
Steiner, who lived in Long Beach, died at Pomona Valley Hospital about 7 p.m. after suffering a gunshot wound to the head, officials said. He is survived by his parents, a wife, a 3-year-old son and a 13-year-old stepson, said Officer Armando Clemente, a CHP spokesman.
"Tonight, we have lost one of our family," said CHP Southern Division Chief Mike Brown.
No arrests were made, but a manhunt was underway ....