Thousands attend memorial for Calif. sheriff’s deputy killed in mobile home shootout

Thousands attend memorial for slain Calif. deputy

FRESNO, Calif. — A sheriff’s deputy killed in a California mobile home shootout is being remembered as a mentor to his colleagues.

The memorial for 49-year-old Joel Wahlenmaier on Wednesday drew nearly 3,000 officials and law enforcement officers from around the state, including California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Wahlenmaier’s colleagues spoke during the service, describing his work on the Fresno County sheriff’s search-and-rescue team and his role in advising fellow deputies.

Wahlenmaier was killed during a Feb. 25 gunbattle with Rick Liles, a suspect in several arsons and random shootings. Authorities say Liles opened fire with a high-powered rifle, sparking a daylong gunbattle that ended in his own death as well.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of people have gathered in Fresno to honor a sheriff’s detective killed in a mobile home shootout last week.

Attendees quickly filled Peoples Church, which has a capacity of 2,500, on Wednesday morning. The overflow crowd was sent to tents outside where people could watch the memorial for Joel Wahlenmaier on video.

The 49-year-old was killed Feb. 25 while trying to serve a search warrant on Rick Liles, a suspect in several arsons and random shootings. Authorities say Liles opened fire with a high-powered rifle, sparking a daylong gunbattle that ended in his own death as well.

Wahlenmaier was a 12-year veteran of the department and father of two adult children.

Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar also was mortally wounded and died Monday. His funeral is scheduled for March 8.