Fallen Officer's Memorial Page

This page is dedicated to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect the citizens of Yolo County.

Deputy Tony Diaz #140
End of Watch: June 15, 2008

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Sunday, June 15th in the Dunnigan area, Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Diaz 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 99W.

It is believed the suspected shooter, Marco Antonio Topete 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.

Deputy Diaz, a 4-year veteran of the sheriff's department, was transported to Woodland Memorial Hospital, where he died from his wounds.

A massive manhunt for the suspected gunman ensued. At 8:15 a.m. June 16, 2008, it was reported that Marco Antonio Topete was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

Deputy Diaz was posthumously awarded the Department's Gold Medal of Valor, the highest award given by the Yolo County Sheriff.

Visit Tony Diaz' memorial page on the Officer Down Memorial Page website