Richmond police officer shot and killed in off-duty family dispute

An off-duty Richmond police officer was shot and killed early Thursday in a confrontation inside the officer’s home, officials said.

The man who shot Gus Vegas, 58, was the father of Vegas’ 6-year-old grandson. Robert Vega, 30, shot the older man about 4:30 a.m. in front of other people, Vallejo police officials said.

The suspect then fled with his son, they said.

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Vega was fighting with one of Vegas’ adult children when the off-duty cop intervened and was shot, KRON reported.

Vegas was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics while officers searched for Vega. Police found him in Fairfield and arrested him on suspicion of murder. His son was taken into protective custody.

At a news conference, Richmond police mourned for their fallen colleague.

“Gus was very likeable, always pleasant and always in a good mood,” Richmond’s interim police chief, Allwyn Brown, said. “It’s a tough loss.”

Vegas was deeply involved in a local foster-youth program with his wife, officials said. He had 10 children and 20 grandchildren, police told KGO.

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