Witnesses describe shooting scene of Hayward officer

KGO logo
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Witnesses describe shooting scene of Hayward officer
Residents on Lion and Kiwanis streets describe what they heard during the shooting between a suspect and Hayward officer.

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- Fellow officers are remembering a fallen comrade after a veteran Hayward police sergeant was shot and killed in the line of duty early Wednesday morning. Officials say a suspect with gang affiliations was arrested.

Hayward Police Chief Diane Urban says Mark Anthony Estrada, who turned 21 years old just four days ago, was arrested in the shooting. He's being treated at Highland Hospital in Oakland for wounds suffered in the overnight gun battle.

Police say the incident began around 3 a.m. in the area of Lion and Myrtle streets in Hayward when Sgt. Scott Lunger and another officer stopped a driver who was "driving erratically." The chief says it took just 45 seconds from the time Lunger stopped the vehicle to the time he was shot.

Witness John Super says the shots came in rapid succession.

"I heard the shots for sure," he said. "The shots were so rapid fire it was war-like almost. Just bam, bam, bam, bam, bam."

Police radio traffic indicates how quickly the incident escalated.

Officer: "The plate you gave me... The second one you gave me is clear. It's expired... Shots fired, shots fired!"

Dispatcher: "Lion shots fired. Myrtle and Lion."

Officer: "Send me, uh, send me fire. I've got my partner down. Partner down."

Residents on Lion and Kiwanis streets described what they heard during the shooting between a suspect and Hayward officer.

Lunger leaves behind two teenage daughters. Hayward police say they will be working with the sergeant's family regarding donations. Those with questions can contact the Hayward Police Officers Association at 510-293-5010.

Click here for full coverage on the Hayward police shooting.