At 9:30 a.m. on May 11, 1992, six LASD narcotic team deputies served a warrant on a mobile home in Palmdale suspected as a site of methamphetamine sales. As part of the entry plan, Deputy Richard B. Hammack was to approach the front door and knock. Other deputies hiding in nearby bushes were then to run inside when the door opened. The plan began to fall apart when a woman exited the house and began wrestling with the deputies. Gunshots then began pouring out at them from inside the house.
The deputies returned fire and rushed inside. The gunfire was intense, and deputies retreated as one of their number received a minor injury when his flashlight was shot out of his hand. When they got outside they realized Deputy Hammack was not with them. They reentered the mobile home and discovered him collapsed on the floor near the door to a bedroom with bullet wounds to his neck, face and upper body. They rushed him via radio car to nearby Palmdale Hospital Medical Center, but he died shortly after arriving.
The suspect was found shot to death in a bedroom. The woman who struggled with the deputies as they attempted to make entry was his wife. Also in the house at the time of the shooting were her elderly father and two small children. They escaped injury. She initially faced a murder charge, but this was later dropped. In February 1993, she pleaded no contest to a charge of resisting arrest and received a two-year prison sentence.
Deputy Hammack, 31, was a seven-and-a-half-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department.
An avid hockey player and motorcycle enthusiast, he was born in Bakersfield and was a long-time resident of the Antelope Valley. Hammack was to be married the following month to Tammy Zeiner. At the time of the shooting, she was at a hospital in the San Fernando Valley having an ultrasound performed to learn the sex of their un-born child. The couple’s son, also named Richard, was born later in 1992.
The #CrownFire is currently burning near Acton. For updates and evacuation information, please visit https://t.co/p46PbDzAQW. To check your evacuation status, visit https://t.co/uzJrUN3ucE.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department mourns the loss of Deputy Levi Vargas, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 30.
Deputy Vargas joined the Department in 2015 as a Custody Assistant and later graduated from Academy Class 413. He served in several assignments throughout his career, most recently at San Dimas Station. He was known among his colleagues and friends for his professionalism, commitment, and compassion to our communities.
His loss is deeply felt across our Department, and he will be greatly missed.
Deputy Vargas is survived by his wife, parents, siblings, and extended family.
We honor his service and legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
After 20 years, the loss of our friend and partner, Deputy Pierre Bain, still hurts deeply.
Killed in the line of duty, his memory continues to live on in all of us who had the honor to know him.
The photo of me and Pierre was taken at Temple Station, where he’s on the left side of the picture as we led the Law Enforcement Memorial Torch Run together. Not long after, he transferred to Lancaster Station to work motors.
Time may pass, but the bond never fades. You are missed more than words can express, brother. 😪🚓🙏💔
@LASDHQ
🛑 Stop means stop. In California, a rolling stop is not a complete stop. Take the extra second. Slow down, look, and help keep our roads safe.
#traffictips
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with @sosocal to promote the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics.
Congratulations to Michael Leon, a Special Olympics athlete and ambassador, who has been named the Honorary Recruit for LASD Class #487. Michael is helping strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the Special Olympics community.
It takes courage to be an athlete, and our LASD deputies and recruits are honored to support Michael’s dedication, hard work, bravery, and competitive spirit.
Special Olympics Athlete Oath:
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
#WeAreSOSC #specialolympics #sosc #lawenforcement #bebrave #LASD
We’re excited to reintroduce “Third Thursdays” into our Coffee with a Cop lineup! Join us tomorrow morning at Starbucks on Lancaster & Gadsden from 8am to 10am!
On January 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we pause to say thank you to the men and women who chose a profession that truly makes a difference. Your sacrifice, service, and commitment to our communities do not go unnoticed. To our sworn personnel and professional staff working behind the scenes, your dedication keeps Los Angeles County safe and strong. We are grateful for all that you do. Your service matters, and our community appreciates you. #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay
New year, new type of town hall! We’re changing it up and bringing the #TownHall straight to the neighborhood. See you Jan. 10th at 3 PM at the southeast corner of Challenger Way & Ave K in #Lancaster.