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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
El Monte Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 6 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2022, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2022, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 31. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Joseph had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 12%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at El Monte Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
El Monte Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from El Monte Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
