Sketch of Officer’s Killer Triggers Flood of Calls : Crime: More than 100 possible leads collected on man who shot policeman and security guard.

A special task force on Thursday began chasing more than 100 leads from callers with possible information about a man who police believe killed a colleague and severely wounded a security guard.

The flood of calls was prompted by the release of a police artist’s sketch of an unidentified man who killed Officer Howard E. Dallies Jr., 36, of Garden Grove in March and wounding Rene Carpio, 24, of Santa Ana in January.

Police said the sketch of the man gave their 3-month-old investigation a boost, but added that it is still a major effort trying to identify him.

“We’re starting at ground zero, starting all over by sifting through leads and calls,” said Sgt. George Jaramillo of the 30 investigators who form the task force, created in late March to focus exclusively on the Dallies case.

To stay on top of the incoming calls Thursday, police assigned two people to monitor a special tip line, Jaramillo said.

“The information is pretty much coming in on a 24-hour basis, and as it comes in (the investigators) pick it up, prioritize it and run with it,” said Capt. David Abrecht.

“People see the picture and think they know somebody who fits the description or think they know somebody who might know him,” Abrecht said.

Police said it is too early to tell if there is a pattern to any of the information or whether any of it will prove fruitful.

Investigators said they will continue to circulate the color sketch to other police departments and other areas of the city to help generate more leads.

Police plan to study past shooting cases, check booking mugs and contact sources in an effort to identify the man and to see if he is connected to any other crimes. So far the shooter has not been linked to any other crimes, Jaramillo said.

He is described as white and 20 to 25 years old. He is 5 foot 8 to 6 feet tall with blond hair, is cleanshaven and has acne on both cheeks. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call (800) 404-4888.