SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued the following statement regarding Tuesday’s shooting death of Santa Cruz Police Department Sergeant Loran “Butch” Baker and Officer Elizabeth Butler:
“It is with deep sadness that Anne and I honor the bravery of Sergeant Baker and Officer Butler, who were killed Tuesday while protecting the people of Santa Cruz. Our deepest condolences go to their families, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the community as we mourn these tragic deaths.”
Sgt. Baker and Officer Butler were shot and killed Tuesday afternoon in Santa Cruz while conducting a criminal investigation.
Sgt. Baker, 51, of Santa Cruz, was a 28-year veteran of the department and was assigned to the investigations section. His prior assignments were in patrol, community services and hostage negotiations. He also served as a field training officer and was one of the founding members of the DUI Enforcement Team. Sgt. Baker is survived by his wife, Kelly, two daughters and a son, who is a Community Services Officer for the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Officer Butler, 38, of Santa Cruz, had worked for the Santa Cruz Police Department for 10 years with assignments in patrol, hostage negotiations, bike officer and as a member of the Santa Cruz drug task force. Her last two years were spent as a detective in the investigations section. She is survived by her partner, Peter Wu, and two sons.
In honor of Sgt. Baker and Officer Butler, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
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