In a devastating incident on Friday morning, three veteran Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies specializing in arson and explosives investigations were killed when military-style ordnance detonated at a training facility.
The explosion occurred at the sheriff department’s Eugene Biscailuz Regional Training Academy in East L.A., approximately five miles east of L.A. City Hall.
Authorities reported that the department had recovered two explosives in Lakewood, located 22 miles southeast of Santa Monica, and transported them back to the training facility.
Tragically, one of the military-style devices exploded, leading to the untimely deaths of Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn.
Sheriff Robert Luna described the incident as the most significant loss of life in the department’s 166-year history.
“This is, unfortunately, the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” Luna stated, expressing the deep sorrow felt across the department.
The three deputies, who collectively had a remarkable 74 years of experience, were part of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail.
“Elite is a term often overused, but these men were truly experts in their field,” Luna remarked, emphasizing their high level of skill and dedication.
Firefighters responded quickly to the scene of the explosion, arriving shortly after 7:27 a.m. PT.
As investigations unfold, the details surrounding the explosion remain murky.
The deputies had been involved in a police operation in Santa Monica the previous day, and investigators were in the process of obtaining a warrant to search that location, although any connection between the events is still unclear.
“This is a heartbreaking day for California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom, extending condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
In support of the investigation, the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Response Team have joined forces with local authorities.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell offered assistance, providing resources including bomb squad and K-9 teams to support the sheriff’s department during this trying time.
Deputy Jason Zabala, who had been off work that day, described the moment he learned about the incident as shocking.
“I had to go to work,” he said, revealing his emotional struggle when conveying the news to his wife.
Zabala underscored the exceptional nature of the fallen deputies, stating they were among the best he had ever worked with.
As the nation’s largest local sheriff’s agency, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department plays a crucial role in providing law enforcement services across L.A. County, including patrolling courthouses and jails.
The explosion marks the deadliest incident involving law enforcement in Southern California in almost 40 years, and it represents a profound loss for the local community.
Zabala reflected on the emotional toll of the occupation, having dealt with numerous crises during his career, including responding to major wildfires.
“You go through a lot in the sheriff’s department, but you’re never prepared for the loss of three of your comrades,” he lamented.
The outpouring of support from the community and fellow law enforcement agencies underscores the ripple effect of this tragedy, as they all come together to honor and support the families of the fallen deputies.
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