ALBANY — East Bay authorities on Thursday night released new details about a deadly police shooting last week in Albany, including the name of the man who was killed, as well as his connection to a woman who was discovered dead at the scene.
In a statement, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Lamar Walker, 24, of Vacaville.
Just before 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 21, Albany and Berkeley police officers were dispatched to the Toyota of Berkeley Service Center at 1025 Eastshore Highway, near the Berkeley border, for a report of an active shooter, the sheriff’s office said.
Berkeley officers arrived at the scene first and evacuated the area. They then entered an open door on the west side of the service center and started searching for the suspect and victims in need of medical assistance, according to the sheriff’s office.
When officers reached the second floor, they found Walker crouched near a desk in a large open office area. The sheriff’s office said Walker was pointing a silver revolver at the entryway.
Five officers fired their weapons at Walker to “prevent further injuries or loss of life,” according to the sheriff’s office. Walker was hit by multiple rounds and died at the scene.
Officers discovered Alonna Gallon, 24, of Richmond, dead on the floor near Walker. Gallon, who worked at the service center, had been shot at least once in the head.
Gallon and Walker were the parents of a 7-year-old son, King Walker. Earlier this week, Gallon’s mother, Yuvonda Gallon, started an online fundraiser for King. As of late Thursday, the GoFundMe page had raised nearly $42,000 of its $50,000 goal.
“This was not a random crime,” the sheriff’s office said. “Alonna Gallon’s death was a senseless act of violence. She leaves behind a 7-year-old son, whom she co-parented with the suspect. Our hearts got out to Ms. Gallon’s son and her family.”
An investigation revealed Walker may have attempted suicide before officers arrived, according to the sheriff’s office. Walker did not succeed and was fatally wounded by the officers’ gunfire.
The sheriff’s office said it and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Officer-Involved Shooting Team are continuing to conduct parallel investigations into the shooting.
Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com