Calif. Police Officer Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop

A California police officer was fatally shot during a traffic stop late Friday.

Salina police have released few details about the incident that left Officer Jorge David Alvarado dead. During a news conference, Chief Roberto Filice said Alvarado was performing a stop when he was shot and killed.

"The officer stayed in the fight all the way to the end," Filice said. "Ultimately, he paid the price for it. He gave his life for it. But thanks to his actions, we were able to apprehend the suspect, and we currently have him in custody."

As part of department protocol, the shooting is under investigation by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office. Nearby state and local law enforcement agencies also have helped the Salinas Police Department following the shooting.

"Their assistance and support provided an opportunity for Salinas police officers for a brief respite following the death of a fellow officer," District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni said at the news conference.

Alvarado had been with the department for five years. Before that, he was a member of the Colma Police Department, and he also served in the U.S. Army, the Salinas Californian reports.

"Officer Alvarado, Jorge David Alvarado, he was not only a friend to all of us, but he is a hero to the community," Filice said. "Last night, the Police Department lost a son, but the community lost a hero."