Remembering David Nguyen, Alameda Sheriff's Recruit Killed In Freeway Shooting

OAKLAND, CA — David V. Nguyen was close to graduating from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office academy when he was shot and killed on his drive home Tuesday night.

The California Highway Patrol is still investigating his death; initial reports said Nguyen was driving on Interstate 580 West Tuesday night, headed home from the academy, when someone fired gunshots into his car. Nguyen's car crashed into a guardrail, where CHP found him. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The 28-year-old would have graduated from the academy in February, sheriff's office sergeant JD Nelson told KTVU.

Nguyen was in a personal car and not in uniform when he was killed, reports said. Law enforcement officials have not shared any motive; theACSO said Wednesday his death "appears to be another senseless act of gun violence on a Bay Area Freeway."

"He was young, smart, strong, brave and everything we seek in a good law enforcement officer," the sheriff's office said in a post on Facebook. "Our condolences to the Nguyen Family and our 172nd Academy."

Nelson told the TV station that Nguyen was well-liked and was a motivated recruit.

His sister Barbara told NBC Bay Area she was proud of her brother, and that she was in disbelief when she heard the news.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Sheriff's Office also shared a video of deputies saluting as Nguyen's body was taken from the hospital to the coroner's office. His parents, sister, and girlfriend were part of the procession, NBC Bay Area reported.

Several other law enforcement agencies have expressed condolences and offered support to Nguyen's family and the ACSO.