California Police Officer Fatally Shot, Another Injured While Serving Arrest Warrant

A California police officer was killed and another was injured in a shooting inside an apartment Monday.

Luca Benedetti, a 12-year law enforcement veteran, was killed while serving a search warrant at an apartment in Central Coast. Steve Orozco, another detective, was also injured in the shootout. Orozco was transported to a hospital and was released after treatment, a news release from San Luis Obispo Police Department said Tuesday.

The suspect, Edward Giron, 37, was found dead inside the apartment with an "apparent self-inflicted, fatal gunshot wound and other injuries consistent with being struck by the officers' return fire," the department said.

Benedetti, along with five other detectives were at the apartment to serve a search warrant for "possible stolen property related to a series of late-night commercial burglaries" that happened in the city last week.

The detectives approached the apartment at around 5 p.m. Monday. They knocked on the front door and identified themselves as law enforcement officials. The officers eventually had to force open the door as they received no response.

Police said Giron was lying in wait inside the apartment and fired at the officers before turning the gun on himself. The detectives also returned fire. The two officers got shot during the exchange.

"Our community is heartbroken," San Luis Mayor Heidi Harmon said. "Detective Benedetti loved this City and bravely gave his life so that we could live in peace and safety. Luca's children have lost their father so we could be safe. We will hold Detective Benedetti and his family in our hearts forever."

"This is a tragedy beyond measure for all of those who serve and care about our community," Derek Johnson, San Luis Obispo city manager, said. "Our deepest condolences go out to the family. We are devastated by this loss."

Benedetti joined San Luis Obispo Police Department in 2012. He served for four years with the Atascadero Police Department before that. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

"I had the distinct pleasure of working with Luca over the past 9 years," Acting Chief Brian Amoroso said. "He was a dedicated officer, a talented detective, a proud member of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team, and most importantly, a loving husband and father."

The case will be investigated by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, along with the District Attorney's Office.