Jerry Ortiz was a very good friend of mine for the past 15 years. We boxed on the LASD Boxing Team together. We were both Force Instructors and worked the Gang Enforcement Team. Most of us cops in LA work alone in some of the roughest neighborhoods in the nation. Gang cops usually work in pairs. Jerry had gone into work early so he could interview someone. While talking to this person, the monster Jose Orozco (suspect) shot Jerry at point blank range in his face. Jerry did not have a chance. Just last year, Jerry was awarded the Madal of Valor for bravery. His brother in law (Officer Gonzales from Chino Prison) was killed last year by a convict. Jerry leaves behind a wife of 3 weeks, a 6 year old son, and a 16 year old son.
As I type this, I sit here crying because he was such a good person. Last Saturday, he and I were talking about some arrests we made together, the boxing team, and our families. He was talking about getting his WBO card to be a cornerman for boxer Mike Anochando. As we departed, we shook hands, gave each other a hug, and wished each other Happy Father's Day.
I am going to miss him dearly,,,,,,,David
The suspect was taken into custody at about midnight....
Suspect arrested