The suspect who allegedly shot and killed a Hayward police officer Wednesday is expected to be released from hospital and booked Thursday, according to Hayward police.
The suspect, 21-year-old Mark Anthony Estrada, was arrested Wednesday afternoon when he was admitted to San Leandro Hospital and then transferred to Highland Hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound, Hayward Police Chief Diane Urban said.
Police said Estrada killed 48-year-old Sergeant Scott Lunger at 3:14 a.m. Wednesday in the vicinity of Myrtle and Lion streets.
"There is no why," Urban said. "It's an absolutely senseless murder."
Early Wednesday, Lunger stopped a vehicle whose driver was "observed driving erratically," police said. But when he got out of his car and approached the driver's side of the vehicle, its occupant opened fire without warning, they added.
A second officer, who was present at the scene, fired back. But the suspect fled despite being struck, police said. The entire exchange lasted about 45 seconds, they added. The second officer did not sustain injuries.
Estrada was shot by the police officer and suffered non-life threatening injuries, police said.
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Police also said that the suspect vehicle, believed to be a white GMC pickup truck, was later recovered in Oakland. Abandoned at an intersection, the car was reportedly riddled with bullet holes on the driver's side door.
Police recovered ammunition from Estrada’s home and a gun, Urban said. According to Hayward police, Estrada is associated with gangs, but is not an official member.
