Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Joseph Santana and Sergeant Michael Paredes were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call at the Siesta Inn at 10327 Garvey Avenue in El Monte.
At 4:45 pm, Officer Santana and Sergeant Paredes responded to a report of a possible stabbing between a boyfriend and girlfriend and that a female was being held against her will. When they arrived at the motel, the female stated she was the victim of domestic violence, and her boyfriend was in the room. When the officers entered the room, they were met with gunfire. A third officer was able to take cover, return shots and call for backup. The subject fled into the parking lot, and responding officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The subject took his own life when he fell to the ground.
Both officers were taken to the L.A. County USC Medical Center, where they succumbed to their wounds.
The subject was a convicted felon on probation and had been arrested for being a felon in possession of a gun.
Officer Santana had served with the El Monte Police Department for one year and previously served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-D7302AD6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Santana gave the El Monte Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the El Monte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Santana.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At El Monte Police Department, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Anthony Santana's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Anthony Santana Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Anthony Santana is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Anthony Santana was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from El Monte Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
