Deputy Tony Diaz
Yolo Co. Sheriff’s Dept.
EOW: June 16, 2008

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Sunday, June 15th in the Dunnigan area of Yolo County, Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Diaz (37) radioed that he had been shot.

Officers responding to the scene found the wounded deputy, and an abandoned baby in a car at the dead-end of County Road 5 at County Road 99. It is believed the suspected shooter, Marco Antonio Topete (35) of Arbuckle, may have been stopped for suspected DUI. Topete, on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, left the area on foot. The baby was reported safe. It is unclear whether the baby is related to Topete.

Deputy Diaz, a 10-year veteran of the sheriff's department, was airlifted to Woodland Memorial Hospital, where he died Monday morning.

A massive manhunt for the suspected gunman ensued. At 8:15 a.m. Monday morning it was reported that Marco Antonio Topete was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

Further information regarding Deputy Diaz’s survivors and funeral services will be forwarded as available.