(L-R) Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus and Detective William Osborn (Photos – LASD)
An explosion rocked the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center early Friday morning, leaving at least three deputies dead, according to law enforcement officials.
By News Desk
The blast occurred around 7:25 am at the facility in East Los Angeles. Preliminary reports indicate the explosion took place during the handling of ordnance, suggesting an accidental detonation on the training grounds.
Emergency responders, including ambulances and fire crews from the L.A. County Fire Department, rushed to the scene. The training center was immediately evacuated to ensure the safety of personnel and nearby residents. The FBI’s Los Angeles division has joined the investigation into the cause of the deadly incident.
Authorities confirmed that three members from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail were killed. The three LASD deputies were identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus and Detective William Osborn.
At a late-morning news conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the incident as the worst loss of life in a single event for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department since 1857. While the exact cause of the catastrophe remains unknown, Sheriff Luna confirmed that the devices involved were rendered safe by the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad.
In statements issued later in the morning, Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Pro Tem Supervisor Hilda L. Solis expressed their condolences.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and to the families and loved ones of the three deputies who lost their lives this morning at the Biscailuz Training Center,” said Pérez. “Law enforcement is a difficult and dangerous profession and we recognize the risks our peace officers take every day in service of our communities. I honor the brave local deputies who dedicated their lives to the safety of our county. I stand with Sheriff Luna, the entire LASD family and Los Angeles County during this time of grief.”
“I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department facility,” Barger said. “I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time. We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.”
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Training Academy in East Los Angeles,” said Solis. “My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion.”
Solis added that she is in contact with Sheriff Robert Luna and is monitoring the situation as officials work to determine the full scope and cause of the tragedy.
Flags Lowered Countywide to Honor Deputies Killed
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger announced that all county facilities will lower their flags to half-staff in honor of the three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies who tragically lost their lives in an explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles.
Calling it a “heartbreaking day,” Supervisor Barger expressed deep condolences to the deputies’ families and pledged ongoing support to the Sheriff’s Department. She also shared plans to formally honor the fallen deputies at the upcoming Board meeting and reaffirm the County’s commitment to supporting their families.
[This article was updated to include a mention of county flags being flown at half-staff]
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