DOWNEY, Calif. (KABC) — Days after several active leads, police have made arrests in the death of an off-duty Monterey Park police officer who was killed in Downey, Eyewitness News has learned.
Details surrounding the arrests were not immediately released, but authorities are expected to share the latest developments at a news conference at 2pm on Wednesday.
Gardiel Solorio, 26, has been identified as the officer killed in the lot at 12070 Lakewood Boulevard earlier this week.
Responding officers found Solorio suffering from gunshot wounds, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
“He really wanted to make an impact on the community,” Monterey Park Police Chief Kelly Gordon said during a news conference Tuesday. “His classmates shared that Officer Solorio possessed all the characteristics of a great officer. He was humble, dedicated, selfless and hardworking, but an even better person.”
Solorio grew up in Bell Gardens, according to Gordon.
He attended California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
The 26-year-old had just graduated from the police academy in July. Solorio is survived by his parents, brothers, sisters and fiancee.
“His family and friends described him as tough as nails but a kid at heart,” Gordon said.
WATCH | Police are giving an update on the fatal shooting of an off-duty officer in Downey
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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