Darnell Calhoun: Riverside County Sheriff's deputy SHOT DEAD in the line of duty, leaves behind pregnant wife
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A deputy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department had been shot and killed in Lake Elsinore on duty. Darnell Calhoun responded to a domestic violence call related to a child custody issue, where he was shot around 4.30 pm in the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane on Friday, January 13, as per the department. The deputy was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in serious condition, and the department updated that he’s being operated on for wounds that he suffered during the shooting, hitting him in the leg and torso region.
However, Calhoun succumbed to his fatal injuries at around 7.55 pm, reported Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The department tweeted, “We are devastated to announce the passing of Deputy Darnell Calhoun who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon. Updates will follow as soon as more information becomes available.” The 30-year-old joined RSO in February, last year. He spent two years with the San Diego police Department before joining the department, and it reacted to Calhoun’s death as well, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of @RSO Deputy Darnell Calhoun, an SDPD officer until 2022. This evening, he was killed in the line of duty while protecting Lake Elsinore. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, & colleagues in SDPD and @RSO. #SDPD6901”
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We are devastated to announce the passing of Deputy Darnell Calhoun who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon.
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) January 14, 2023
Updates will follow as soon as more information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/jFPtjN1fFA
"There is not one person with one negative thing to say about him. He was the most cheerful, the most positive, the most wholesome good man you can imagine," said Sheriff Chad Bianco, during a press briefing. He added, "Now a father, a mother, a wife, and us, are trying to figure out why." The press release by the department reveals as reported by CBS News, “As Deputy Calhoun approached the residence, the suspect began shooting at him, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. As an additional deputy arrived, the suspect engaged him with gunfire as well. The suspect was ultimately wounded and taken into custody.” It added, “The suspect was transported to a local area hospital and treated for his injuries. The suspect is in critical condition.”
We are devastated to learn of the passing of @RSO Deputy Darnell Calhoun, an SDPD officer until 2022.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) January 14, 2023
This evening, he was killed in the line of duty while protecting Lake Elsinore. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, & colleagues in SDPD and @RSO. #SDPD6901 pic.twitter.com/ub48XjR33s
Giving an update on the second deputy wounded in the shooting, the authorities said, “The deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave according to Department policy. The name of the involved deputy will not be released at this time.” The deceased officer leaves behind a pregnant wife, according to reports.