According to the officials, the suspect in the shooting was seriously injured by another deputy who got on the scene just a short time after Calhoun was shot. The police took the suspect to the same hospital as the others.
At a press conference held on Friday evening, the Sheriff, Chad Bianco, presented an update; nevertheless, certain aspects remained unclear.
He stated that deputies were sent to the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane at approximately 4:20 p.m. in response to a complaint regarding possible domestic violence and a child custody issue, as well as the sounds of what could have been a struggle in the background.
The first person to arrive at the site was Calhoun. It is unclear what transpired next; however, a second deputy came on the scene and saw Calhoun lying in the roadway injured.
After that, the suspect and the second deputy engaged in a shootout, during which the suspect was ultimately killed by a bullet to the chest.
After being shot, Calhoun was sent to the Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for surgery, where he was initially categorised as being in “severe condition.” The death of the deputy was confirmed by the authorities shortly before 8 o’clock in the evening.
The suspect was taken to the hospital, where his condition was described as being life-threatening.
Calhoun, 30, started his career in law enforcement with the San Diego police department. He worked there for two years before moving to Riverside County less than a year ago. He was given the station in Lake Elsinore.
He got married, and his wife is going to have their first child soon.
According to Bianco, “He was the most joyful, the most optimistic, the most kind, and the most wholesome individual you could possibly imagine.”
“We are devastated to announce the passing of Deputy Darnell Calhoun who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon,” the department announced on Twitter.
