Police Sergeant Howard Stevenson was killed and veteran Officer Sam Ryno 50 years old was critically wounded in a shootout with a U.S. Marine 19-year-old Andres Raya outside a Ceres liquor store. The incident
began about 8 p.m. when officers were called to George's Liquors at Central and Caswell avenues on a report of a man with a gun inside the store. When the officers arrived, they were confronted by Andres Raya armed with an assault rifle who opened fire. Sgt. Howard Stevenson was shot twice in the head and killed. Officer Sam Ryno was hit several time and was taken to an area hospital, where he was reported in critical condition. The gunman fled into a nearby neighborhood and was holed up in a home for a short time before coming out and opening fire on officers again. Police returned fire, killing the 19-year-old Andres Raya.

Stevenson is survived by his wife and three children.

     

UPDATE: 01-17-05
The Marine, Lance Cpl. Andres Raya, 19, who shot and killed Sergeant Howard Stevenson and wounded Officer Sam Ryno was a gang member who was high on cocaine at the time of the shootings. Investigators now are discounting the theory that Lance Cpl. Andres Raya, 19, may have been suffering from post-traumatic stress and instigated a "suicide by cop," provoking officers to shoot him because he did not want to return to Iraq. During police investigation, they found he wasn't due to go back to Iraq, never faced combat situations and never even fired his gun,"

Agency Information:
Ceres Police Department
2727 3rd Street
Ceres, CA 95307
Phone: 209-538-5704
Fax: 209-538-5704

Sgt. Howard Stevenson's wife, Kathy, is given an American flag by Ceres Police Chief Art De Werk at Lakewood Memorial Park near Hughson. About 2,200 people, many of them in law enforcement, filled First Baptist Church in Modesto to honor Sgt. Howard Stevenson.             Walt Butler of Ceres American Legion Post 491 plays the bugle during the service at Lakewood Memorial Park.

 


Rest in peace, god protect you and your family

Sergeant Kevin Young, NYCPD
kpyoun29@verizon.net

Date: 04/25/2005
Time: 11:36 PM


The easiest way for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing....Edmund Burke. There are people who think that we do the job to be heroes, or for personal gain. They could never understand that it is about the person next to you.

Reserve Officer, Sergeant Aaron King
Josephine County Sheriffs Office, OR
akingermx@hotmail.com

Date: 04/10/2005
Time: 07:24 AM


You are a fallen angel,,, go finish your tour of duty in heaven,, REST IN PEACE MY FELLOW BROTHER

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL
Deputy Sheriff, RICARDO RIOS
FORIZZLE3072@YAHOO.COM

Date: 01/28/2005
Time: 08:41 AM


My prayers go out to this officer and his family. May God be with you all.

Aransas Co. Sheriffs Office, TX
Deputy Sheriff Chris Molandes
acso815@copmail.com
www.aransascountysheriff.com

Date: 01/20/2005
Time: 08:29 AM


Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu


Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer's Department family and friends. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.