Julian Becerra.Photo: City of Fountain Government
A Colorado police officer died a week after he was critically injured on the job in a fall from a 40-foot bridge.
Becerra, 35, was injured in the line of duty on Jan. 2 while attempting toapprehend an alleged carjacking subject, according to police.
“We appreciate the public’s outpouring of support over the past week for Officer Becerra, his family and the Fountain Police Department,” city officialssaid in a statementposted on social media Saturday night.
“This is an evolving process, and the family is requesting privacy while they navigate the difficult task of planning for Julian’s final rest,” the post read.
Becerra, who worked in the police department’s patrol division as aK9 officer, was injured after officers were asked to help with “locating a known carjacking suspect,” on the afternoon of Feb. 2, police said in a statement at the time.
After a number of unsuccessful pursuits, the stolen vehicle was located with three suspects inside, officials said. Officers were able to partially disable the vehicle around 7:45 p.m.
Police said two of the three suspects, who were all apprehended, “were arrested on active felony warrants along with additional felony charges related to this incident.” Another suspect was arrested on “numerous felony charges.”
An investigation is ongoing.
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In addition to having been with the department for over four years, loved ones remembered Becerra as adevoted husband and father.
“[He’s] just a fantastic dad,” brother-in-law David Alderman told NBC affiliate KUSA before the officer’s death. “You know, police officers have the reputation of being rigid, but he is just such a fantastic guy, easy to talk to, very easy going and just a good person in general.”
Julian Becerra and family.Go Fund Me
Although funeral plans have yet to be announced, loved ones and members of the public are invited to “leave flowers or notes of support” at a temporary memorial outside of the station where Becerra worked.
“As a public display of honor and respect, a Fountain Police patrol vehicle has been parked in front of the Fountain Police Department,” police wrote in a statement. “We appreciate the love you have all shown during this painful time.”
source: people.com
