Steven Edward Belanger, a 52-year-old Deputy Sheriff, passed away on February 6, 2018, in Rowland Heights, California. His death was the result of complications from a gunshot wound he sustained on December 10, 1994. On that day, Deputy Belanger was ambushed while conducting a traffic stop in the 18400 block of La Guardia Street in Rowland Heights. He had recognized the driver of the vehicle as being wanted for a previous assault.
As he searched the two occupants, one of the man's friends approached on a skateboard and shot Deputy Belanger in the back of the head. The assailant fled the scene and committed suicide about an hour later. Despite extensive medical efforts, doctors were unable to remove the bullet from Deputy Belanger's brain, and he remained under constant medical care and confined to a wheelchair until his death.
The incident that led to Deputy Belanger's death was a tragic and violent attack that had long-lasting repercussions. The shooter, whose identity was not disclosed in the sources, took his own life shortly after the attack, which meant there were no subsequent arrests or prosecutions directly related to the shooting. However, the impact of the incident was profound, leading to Deputy Belanger's prolonged suffering and eventual death more than two decades later.
In the years following the shooting, Deputy Belanger's case remained a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers. His death was classified as a line-of-duty death, and he was honored for his service and sacrifice. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the broader law enforcement community mourned his passing and recognized the enduring impact of the violence he endured.
There were no additional litigations or investigations directly related to the shooting after the initial incident, as the perpetrator's suicide precluded further legal action. Deputy Belanger's family, including his wife and daughter, were left to cope with the long-term consequences of the attack and his eventual death. His story serves as a somber example of the risks faced by those in law enforcement and the lasting effects of such traumatic events.
