36-year-old Pittsburg police officer Larry Lasater  was shot allegedly by a robbery suspect. He was shot twice including once in the neck, as he tried to arrest two suspects wanted in connection with the robbery of a Raley's supermarket in Pittsburg.

One suspect in Lasater's killing was identified as 18-year-old Alexander Rashad Hamilton of Antioch. Police also arrested a 17-year-old but did not identify him because he is a minor. The pair are expected to face murder charges as well as federal armed robbery charges because they allegedly held up a Wells Fargo branch in the supermarket. Investigators said Hamilton and his accomplice robbed a store cashier and a bank clerk and jumped into a white Toyota. A few blocks away, while northbound on Norine Drive, they crashed into a parked pickup and continued on foot. Officers surrounded the area, which is near the border of Pittsburg and Antioch, south of Highway 4 and along the southern edge of Los Medanos College. Lasater and other officers were looking for the suspects on the Delta De Anza Regional Trail near Belle Drive. Lasater heard movement in heavy brush along a fence and ordered the suspects to surrender. Hamilton allegedly opened fire with a semiautomatic pistol and struck Lasater, who was wearing body armor, twice. The officer had drawn his weapon but didn't have time to fire.

Two officers nearby fired back but missed Hamilton. He was soon arrested and the 17-year-old was taken into custody minutes later on a nearby street. Lasater is a former Marine tank commander whose wife is seven months pregnant with the couple's first child.

Agency Information:
Pittsburg Police Department
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: 925-252-4980
 

Rest in peace, god protect you and your family

Sergeant Kevin Young, NYCPD
kpyoun29@verizon.net



To My Fallen Law Enforcement Brother there are many men and woman, who will arise to the occasion of "Keeping America's Highway's Safe." "God will be there for your family, trust me," So, I say to you now that you have the best job now of being a "Highway Trooper for Heaven, Protecting God's Highways To Him."

Mark Scott
Private Security Officer, CA
yodatwolf@yahoo.com



I'm really sorry, when a police officer dies a guard angel dies too. Molly live forever in the mind of all
cops of the world (and every cops fallen in action). Edgar Solera Ex sergeant of police
(Costa Rica, Guardia Civil)

Government Agent, Guardia Civil, Costa Rica
Edgar Solera
edgarsoleramontero@yahoo.com



Our prayers are with the family

US Federal Police (Retired) NV
Chief of Police, Tom Savage
copone@cox.net



My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family.

Fred Cog
Bailiff, NY



I am sorry for the deep loss to the family, friends and comrades.

US Federal Police (Retired) NV
Chief of Police, Tom Savage
copone@cox.net



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



It is abundantly clear that ALL of your fallen officers shared a common thread - they were of the highest caliber yet modest and unassuming in the approach of their duties. I believe that for as long as such
men and women patrol your streets with such commitment and professionalism, then you have much to be proud of. My heart goes out to all the bereaved families, but be assured, there is someone in "every" corner of the world who cares!

Don W.
Howling@thesilverymoon.fsnet.co.uk
Wildlife Protection Ranger (UK)
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom



May your family find peace and strength.  I know how it feels to lose a family member in the line of duty.  My prayers are with you.  They will be blessed for all that they did for us while they were here and now they can all watch over us.

Lauren, LA
summer8219@hotmail.com



Your job on earth is done and you are safely in God's hands. You are now our guardian angel who watches over us in heaven. Your family and fellow officers are in our prayers. God bless.

Beverly "Jake" Smith, Retired Reserve Officer
Gainesville Police Dept. FL
smithbc@ci.gainesville.fl.us



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.