Deputy, suspect, and three others killed
A California deputy was killed in the line of duty while acting as part of SWAT team attempting the safe released of three victims of a domestic violence incident.
Kern County Deputy Phillip Campas was killed along with the shooter and three other victims during the Sunday incident.
According to reports, Deputy Campas was struck by gunfire while entering a residence with a SWAT team formation in an attempt to suppress an active-shooter that had executed family members and was holding additional family hostage. Deputy Campas suffered severe injuries in the ambush and was immediately evacuated and transported for medical care where he passed from his injuries.
Kern County Sheriff Donnie Youngblood also noted during a press conference that two other deputies wounded by shrapnel continued to stay at the scene and perform their SWAT duties.
Th others killed included the suspect, and a 42 year-old female, a 24 year-old male and 17 year-old male. The three victims inside the home were the suspect’s two sons and their mother.
Deputy Dizander Guerrero, a 10 year veteran with the department, was treated for gun shot wounds to the upper body and was released from Kern Medical.
The shooter was killed by a deputy after a long standoff when he went to the roof with a pistol and an AK-47, according to reports.
The suspect had a restraining order prohibiting him from having guns, according to KCSO.
The sheriff’s department released the following on social media regarding the deputy’s death: :The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to report Deputy Phillip Campas was shot and killed on July 25, 2021 while serving as a SWAT operator attempting to rescue three shooting victims inside of a residence in Wasco, CA. Deputy Campas was a five-year veteran with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and previously served as a United States Marine. Deputy Campas had various assignments throughout his time at KCSO, including patrol deputy, SWAT team member, recruit training officer, and assistant range master. Our prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time, as well as our grieving community. This a tremendous loss for Kern County, as Deputy Campas was a star among KCSO. He will never be forgotten and will live on through our deputies who continue to serve in his memory.”
Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Kern County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Phillip Campas:
“Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Campas as they mourn the tragic and senseless loss of this dedicated public servant. Deputy Campas’ heroic service to his community will not be forgotten.”
On July 25, 2021, Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a shooting inside a residence in the City of Wasco. Serving as a member of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics team, Deputy Campas was shot as he attempted to rescue three shooting victims inside the residence. He was transported to Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Campas, 35, began serving at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office in February 2016. In addition to serving on the SWAT team, his prior assignments at the Sheriff’s Office included patrol deputy, recruit training officer and assistant range master. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Deputy Campas is survived by his wife, Christina, two daughters, a stepson and his father, Jesse.
In honor of Deputy Campas, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.”
23 deputies are on administrative leave following shooting, some weren’t involved in incident, but the deputies who were close to Campas.
Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County.
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