Hayward Officer Killed During Traffic Stop

Early Wednesday morning, a Hayward Police Sergeant Scott Lunger was fatally shot after doing a routine traffic stop. Around 3 a.m., Sgt. Lunger and another officer stopped a driver who was driving “erratically,” according to ABC 7. The suspect shot at Sgt. Lunger and the second officer returned fired. It is unknown how many times the suspect shot at Sgt. Lugner but he fled the scene.

Neighbors in the area said they heard at least four gunshots. Oakland police have joined the search for the suspect after a truck was found on 98th and Edes Avenue with bullet holes. Hayward police believe it is the suspects vehicle.

According to Police Chief Mark Knoller, there is one person of interest “in a secure location,” but no arrest have been made in the fatal officer shooting. There is no other information released about the person of interest, including their name.

Knoller talked in a press conference.

“Scott was always out there, eager to get involved. He was engaged in the community. Scott loved this job. He did it eagerly. It is a tragedy that this has happened, that someone has done this. The department is devastated but we are pulling together and we will get through this.”

Knoller continued to say that Sgt. Lunger’s death is a tremendous loss and a dark day for the community of Hayward, the Hayward Police Department, the family of the department and the men and women of law enforcement.

Sgt. Lunger was taken to Eden Medical Center, according to NBC Bay Area, where he was pronounced dead. A heavy presence of law enforcement came to the hospital to salute and show their respect for the fallen Hayward officer as he left the hospital and transported to the coroner’s bureau. Even residents that lived by the hospital came out and held flags to show respect for the Hayward police officer.

Castro Valley resident Carlos Ramirez, who stood outside to respect the officer while leaving the hospital, said, “It makes me sad. It makes me mad. I just felt like I need to come out here and show my support.”

Lt. Eric Krimm told ABC 7, “No officer comes to work wanting to be involved in something like that. They’re difficult for those involved, they’re difficult for the families, they’re difficult for the communities.”

Police agencies around the Central Valley and Bay Area took to their social media to show respect and sympathy for the fallen Hayward officer, posting photos of Sgt. Lugner and placing a black patch over their badged.

Sgt. Lunger is the fourth officer from the Hayward police department to be killed in the line of duty since 1929. Sgt. Lugner leaves behind a wife and two daughters and was only 48-years-old. The other officer involved in the shooting was not injured.

[Photo provided by Hayward Police Department]