I-680 Shooting In Walnut Creek Leaves CHP Officer And Suspect Dead

Walnut Creek, CA – A California Highway Patrol officer involved in the I-680 shooting on Tuesday morning has passed away. The officer, Kenyon Youngstrom, had been on life support since the 8:20 am shooting but succumbed to his injuries at 6:05 pm on Wednesday.

Youngstrom was shot on Tuesday during a routine traffic stop along I-680 in Walnut Creek, near Alamo. The 37-year-old CHP officer had pulled off to the side of the interstate to deal with a dead deer while his partner, in another patrol car, pulled 36-year-old Christopher Boone Lacy over for an obstructed license plate, reports Mercury News.

Youngstrom approached Lacy’s Jeep and spoke with him for about 30 to 45 seconds before Lacy suddenly drew a handgun and shot the CHP officer in the head. The officer’s partner heard the gunshots and returned fire on Lacy, fatally wounding him.

Youngstorn’s partner returned to his patrol car to radio in officer down during the I-680 shooting before returning to the 37-year-old father of four to give first aid. Multiple civilians stopped to assist until EMTs arrived. The wounded officer was taken to John Muir Medical Center where he remained on life support until his death Wednesday evening.

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow issued a statement about Officer Kenyon Youngstrom’s tragic death. MSN notes that part of the statement reads:

“I learned just a few moments ago, that despite his courageous efforts to survive, Officer Youngstrom succumbed to the injuries he sustained after being shot during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning in Walnut Creek. This is a very sad day for the CHP as well as all Californians. Officer Youngstrom was a valued member of the CHP family, a dedicated officer and soldier who gave his life serving the people of California. He now joins a distinguished group of heroes whose names are engraved upon the CHP Memorial Fountain and who will forever be remembered for their valiant sacrifice and service.”

Investigators poured over information at Lacy’s residence but have found no clues into the motive for the I-680 shooting that lead to the death of CHP Kenyon Youngstown. The late officer is survived by his wife and four children.