Stanislaus Sheriff Deputy shot in head in the line of duty

HUGHSON, Calif. (KTVU/AP) - A Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy was killed in the line of duty near Modesto Sunday morning.

Deputy Dennis Wallace, 53, was in Fox Grove Park in Houghson investigating a suspicious vehicle and person on reports of a stolen vehicle at 8:24 Sunday morning.

Stanislaus County Sheriff says that suspect David Machado has been located and is in custody. 

According to the Sacramento Bee, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said they believe Wallace was killed in seconds.

Christianson also said that a second deputy arrived and found that Wallace has been shot in the head. Christianson added that evidence shows the gun was pressed against Wallace's forehead, the trigger was pulled twice, and described the shooting as an "execution". 

The suspect is identified as 36-year-old David Machado. He is described as a white male and is driving a stolen 2009 white Kia Rio with the license plate 6JIS245. 

Wallace has served for Stanislaus County Sheriffs for 20 years.

 "He wasn't just assigned to Hughson; he's a fixture in Hughson. He was so well-loved," Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa, who also lives in Hughson, told the Modesto Bee.