UPDATE: Off-Duty Richmond Police Officer Fatally Shot at Home

Update:

A 15-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department was fatally shot in his home in Vallejo by the father of his 6-year-old grandson early this morning, police said. Officer Augustine “Gus” Vegas, 58, was fatally shot inside his home at 35 Narragansett Court in the Glen Cove neighborhood shortly before 4:40 a.m., according to Vallejo police. Vegas had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Family members said the shooter was Robert Vega, 30, the father of Vegas’ grandson. The family members said Vega had taken the 6-year-old and fled, police said.

Fairfield police were able to find the child, who was unharmed, as well as Vega, who was taken into custody without incident. Richmond and Vallejo police held a joint news conference this morning to provide details about the case. Richmond interim police Chief Allwyn Brown said the death of Vegas “is a huge blow to us, it’s a tough loss.”

“Gus was very likable, always pleasant,” Brown said. “I never saw him have a bad day.” Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan said Vegas had 10 children and 20 grandchildren and was involved in the Vallejo nonprofit Foster Greatness dedicated to providing for the needs of children in foster care.

Tan said Vegas was a foster parent himself. Richmond Mayor Tom Butt issued a statement following the news of Vegas’ death.

“The senseless killing of this respected officer early this morning has left us deeply saddened and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family,” Butt said.

Original story:

An off-duty Richmond police officer was fatally shot at a home in Vallejo this morning, Richmond police and neighbors said. Vallejo police this morning cordoned off Narragansett Court in the Glen Cove neighborhood where the shooting occurred.

A neighbor who did not want to provide her name said she heard yelling around 4:30 a.m. at 35 Narragansett Court, then banging and a gunshot. She said the person shot was a “kind” man who held events for foster children in the community. Richmond police Lt. Andre Hill confirmed the person shot was an off-duty officer from Richmond but did not provide more details.

Richmond and Vallejo police have scheduled an 11 a.m.joint news conference to provide more details about the case.

By Bay City News

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