In Photos: Candlelight Vigil for Sergeant Scott Lunger

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

The photos speak for themselves. Hundreds from all over the East Bay gathered under a dusky sky at Hayward City Hall tonight to honor the life of Hayward Police Sgt. Scott Lunger.

Lunger, a 15-year veteran of the department, was fatally shot at about 3:15 a.m. this morning after he and another officer pulled over a truck being driven erratically.

Lunger was shot “without warning” as he approached the driver’s side of the truck, police Capt. Mark Koller said at a news conference earlier. 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.

Officers from all over the East Bay met at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley today to escort Lunger as he was taken to the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.

Late this afternoon, Hayward police thanked the community via Twitter.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us in today’s time of heartache. Too many allied agencies to thank.”

Lunger lived in Brentwood and had two two college-aged daughters. Donations to the Lunger family can contact the HPOA at 510-293-5010.

Related:

• Police Sergeant Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop in Hayward
• Community Takes to Social Media to Mourn Loss of Hayward Police Sergeant
• Candlelight Vigil for Fallen Hayward Police Sergeant
• Slain Police Sergeant Remembered as ‘Ideal Officer’

Photo credit Michelle Clowser