California Government Official Killed In Mexico Resort Town

IMPERIAL BEACH, CA -- An Imperial Beach city official was shot and killed while vacationing in a coastal Mexican town, officials said Saturday. Doug Bradley, administrative services director for the city of Imperial Beach, was killed Thursday after being chased by gunmen in the resort town of Ixtapa about 4 a.m., according to news sources in Mexico.

Police apparently did not learn of Bradley's death until about four hours after the incident. The Huntington Beach native would have been 50 years old the day after he was shot.

The city of Imperial Beach released a statement Friday saying officials "were shocked" to learn of Bradley's killing.

"Doug Bradley was loved by all that knew him," Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina said. "He was always positive, loved to surf and had helped to turn around the city of Imperial Beach's financial management as well as restructure city administration to make it more efficient and resident friendly. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and worked with him."

Dedina said in a tweet that Bradley -- who lived in Playas de Tijuana and commuted to Imperial Beach -- was a "true border resident."

Bradley was hired by the city in 2013. As administrative services director, he oversaw the city budget and fiscal functions. In that post, he also served as the city treasurer.

City officials said they are working with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City to return Bradley's body to the United States.

--City News Service/Photo via Shutterstock