Candlelight Vigil for Fallen Hayward Police Sergeant

The community is invited to gather at the Hayward City Hall for a candlelight vigil this evening to honor the life of a police sergeant who was fatally shot early this morning during a traffic stop.

Hayward City Councilman Francisco Zermeño posted the notice of the gathering on via Facebook.

Everyone,

Join the Day Labor Center, the South Hayward Community, me, and many others as we remember a Hayward Police Officer who gave his life protecting us.

Honor One of Our Officers

Honor One of Our Family Members

Candlelight Vigil

8:00pm

Hayward City Hall

777 B Street

Hayward, CA

Please take a candle.

Hayward on!

Hayward police Sgt. Scott Lunger, a 15-year veteran of the department, was shot at about 3:15 a.m. after he and another officer pulled over a truck being driven erratically near Myrtle and Lion streets, police Capt. Mark Koller said at a news conference.

Lunger was shot “without warning” as he approached the driver’s side of the truck, Koller said. The other officer returned fire at the truck’s driver, who fled. The truck was later found abandoned in Oakland, according to Koller. He said a person of interest in the case has been identified, is “secure” and “does not pose a threat to the community,” but has not yet been arrested.

Lunger was taken to Eden Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Koller called Lunger’s death “a devastating, dark day for the community of Hayward.” Lunger was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and has worked as a member of the department’s SWAT and gang units, Koller said.

Previous:

• Police Sergeant Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop in Hayward

Residents, family, friends and police and fire agencies from all over the state posted condolences via social media today as word of Lunger’s tragic death spread through the California.

Read more here:

• Community Takes to Social Media to Mourn Loss of Hayward Police Sergeant

By City News contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy Shutterstock