Off-duty officer accidentally shoots and kills bystander in Santa Cruz

June 2024 ยท 2 minute read

An off-duty police officer accidently fired a gun he was cleaning through his own hand to hit an innocent bystander in Santa Cruz County, California.

Santa Cruz officer Francisco Villicana was cleaning the gun near the 1500 block of Antelope Drive when it went off, firing through his hand and into the torso of Ferror-Sanchez, who later died.

Villicana, who started with the force in February this year, reported the incident after the gun went off.

First responders took both of them to hospital, but Sanchez did not recover from his injuries.

A memorial posted online for Sanchez said 'his biggest dream was to be a police officer.' 

Francisco Villicana was cleaning the gun near the 1500 block of Antelope Drive when it went off and hit Luis Alfredo Ferro-Sanchez, who later died. The gunshot went through his hand

Francisco Villicana was cleaning the gun near the 1500 block of Antelope Drive when it went off and hit Luis Alfredo Ferro-Sanchez, who later died. The gunshot went through his hand

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Share Luis Alfredo Ferro Sanchez, 20,died in hospital after a shot to the torso. His family are holding a memorial service for him on Thursday

Luis Alfredo Ferro Sanchez, 20,died in hospital after a shot to the torso. His family are holding a memorial service for him on Thursday

'This tragic incident is devastating for everyone involved, and we acknowledge many people are grieving,' Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante said, according to Fox KTVU.

The incident occurred last Friday afternoon, but full details of the event only emerged on Wednesday.

'Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the family and friends of Mr. Ferro-Sanchez,' Chief Escalante added. 'We will support them in whatever way we can.'

The incident appears to have been an accident, police said, though Monterey County District Attorney is investigating the case.

The off-duty officer had been placed on leave while the investigation continues.

It is not clear whether the two men knew each other.

Sanchez, who loved singing, soccer and boxing, is survived by his parents and three siblings. A memorial service is being held for him on Thursday.

The family posted a link for anyone wishing to buy flowers to commemorate his memory.

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