Pomona SWAT Officer Dies Following Shooting At San Gabriel Home
SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — The Pomona SWAT officer shot in the head died early Wednesday morning, officials said.
Shaun Diamond, 45, was shot in the back of the head Tuesday while serving a search warrant at a San Gabriel home believed to be connected to a motorcycle gang.
The 16-year veteran was hospitalized at Huntington Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery and later passed away.
"We had to keep him alive because he essentially wanted to be an organ donor. That was very clear," Diamond's mother, Joy, said. "And somebody got the best heart in the world today and lots of other good stuff."
Officers early Wednesday lead a procession to escort Diamond's body from the Pasadena hospital to the coroner's office in Boyle Heights.
"This morning's procession was incredibly touching, very sad something I never wanted to personally experience, but unfortunately we did," Pomona Police Chief Paul Capraro said. "On a personal note – although it was such an unique experience, and I never ever want to do it again, but on the other side of the fence, it was quite a tribute to a great man."
Diamond is survived by his wife and two children.
"Shaun was somebody with an incredible sense of humor; he's somebody that anybody would get along with. He's somebody that loved his family," Capraro said.
The last time a Pomona police officer died in the line of duty was in 1996.
The suspect involved in the shooting, 36-year-old David Martinez, was arrested without incident. He faces charges of murder of a peace officer.
Funeral plans have yet to be announced, but those wishing to make donations can do so to the Pomona Police Officer's Association, 174 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767. Checks should reference Shaun Diamond in the memo line of a check. Cash and gift cards are also accepted.
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