Family Names Calif. Officer Shot By Fellow Police

Published January 30, 2012 4:45AM (EST)

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) — Family members have identified a California officer killed by fellow police, and they're asking why the attempted arrest that led to his death had to take place while he was on duty in the streets.

His father and sister tell KCOY-TV in Santa Maria (http://bit.ly/zdVTV3) Sunday that the officer killed was 29-year-old Albert Covarrubias Jr. Police are withholding the name of the officer, but say he had to be arrested immediately on suspicion of illegal sex with a minor early Saturday.

Police say Covarrubias resisted arrest and fired his gun before another officer fatally shot him at a DUI checkpoint where he'd been working.

Father Albert Covarrubias Sr. said his son was a "beautiful person" and asked whether he was arrested in the streets in an attempt to ridicule him.


By Salon Staff

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