Davis Police Officer Shot, Killed; Suspect Found Dead

DAVIS, CA — The search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a police officer in downtown Davis ended with the shooter being found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. A female officer, now identified as Natalie Corona, 22, was shot at about 6:45 p.m. as she responded to the scene of a three-car crash at 5th and D streets, Davis police Chief Darren Pytel said.

"For some reason shots rang out, she was struck," Davis police Lt. Paul Doroshov said.

The officer was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center in serious condition, Doroshov said. In a news conference just before midnight, Chief Pytel said Corona had died of her injuries.

"She was a rising star," Pytel said. "This is an absolutely devastating loss for our department."

Corona began working at the Davis Police Department as a part-time employee in 2016, the chief said. She went on to attend the police academy, graduating in July 2018.

She was sworn in Aug. 2, 2018, then went through field training. She had only been out on her own for a couple of weeks, since December, Pytel said.

"The entire City Council is grief-stricken and heartbroken at this senseless loss of life," Davis Mayor Brett Lee said in a statement. "This incident is a sad reminder of the risks that our public safety employees take every day on our community’s behalf."

To many in the small department, she was a sister, a friend, a daughter, Pytel said.

She is survived by her parents, her father having been in law enforcement. Corona is the first Davis police officer to be killed in the line of duty since the 1950s.

Hundreds of law enforcement from Yolo, Solano and Sacramento counties and beyond responded to Davis in the search for the shooting suspect.

By about 10 p.m., a lead on a possible suspect had been established, Doroshov said.

Police continued to focus their efforts on a home at 5th and E streets, and it was inside that residence authorities say he took his own life.

The Solano County Sheriff's Office said it sent several deputies Thursday night to Davis to assist "hundreds of local law enforcement who responded for the report of an 11-99, 'Officer Needs Assistance."

As the manhunt was underway for the shooting suspect, UC Davis advised its students to shelter in place. The search was concentrated in the central area of town, according to police.

City of Davis residents were also advised to shelter in place, according to Davis police.

Corona is the second rookie female officer killed in two days. On Wednesday, Shreveport, Louisiana police officer Chatéri Payne was shot dead as she prepared to go to work, according to CNN. Chatéri had graduated from the police academy just two months ago, CNN reported.

ALSO SEE:

• Public Memorial Service For Slain Davis Police Officer Planned
• Fatal Shooting Of Davis Police Officer An 'Ambush', Chief Says
• Note About Davis PD Found In Home Of Man Who Fatally Shot Officer

By Patch local editor Maggie Avants; Patch national staffer Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this report.

Photo: This Aug. 2, 2018 photo provided by Williams Pioneer Review shows Merced Corona, left, pins his daughter Natalie Corona's badge on her uniform during a swearing-in ceremony in Davis, Calif. Natalie Corona was shot and killed during a routine call Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. (Williams Pioneer Review via Associated Press)