Richmond police officer killed in Vallejo

VALLEJO, Calif. (KTVU) - A 15-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department was fatally shot in his home in Vallejo by the father of his 6-year-old grandson early Thursday morning, police said.

Officer Augustine "Gus" Vegas, 58, was fatally shot inside his home on Narragansett Court in the Glen Cove neighborhood shortly before 4:40 a.m., according to Vallejo police.

Vegas had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Family members said the shooter was Robert Vega, 30, the father of Vegas' grandson. The family members said Vega had taken the 6-year-old and fled, police said.

Fairfield police were able to find the child, who was unharmed, as well as Vega, who was taken into custody without incident.

Richmond and Vallejo police held a joint news conference this morning to provide details about the case.

Richmond interim police Chief Allwyn Brown said the death of Vegas "is a huge blow to us, it's a tough loss." "Gus was very likable, always pleasant," Brown said. "I never saw him have a bad day."

Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan said Vegas had 10 children and 20 grandchildren and was involved in the Vallejo nonprofit Foster Greatness dedicated to providing for the needs of children in foster care. Tan said Vegas was a foster parent himself.

Richmond Mayor Tom Butt issued a statement following the news of Vegas' death.

"The senseless killing of this respected officer early this morning has left us deeply saddened and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family," Butt said.