Within hours of the slaying of a veteran member of the sheriff’s department, fellow law enforcement officials, firefighters and Lancaster community members came together late Wednesday night to honor Sgt. Steve Owen with a procession and a growing memorial.
Owen was shot Wednesday afternoon while responding to a residential burglary call in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7.
He was rushed to a local hospital following the shooting, but Owen – who had been with the department for 29 years – was pronounced dead a short time later.
Wednesday night, hundreds of people gathered along a procession route to honor Owen.
Firefighters and law enforcement officials could be seen saluting Owen and waving an American flag from an overpass as the procession passed beneath.
Owen’s body arrived at the coroner’s office about 11 p.m., where dozens of patrol cars with lights flashing lined the street.
A grieving crowd, many seen hugging and consoling each other, gathered by the truck and waited as Owen’s casket was taken inside.
Officials earlier in the day said Owen was a beloved member of the community.
“Steve was very important to the Antelope Valley community. He’d worked here a long time as a deputy before he was promoted five years ago,” sheriff’s Executive Officer Neal Tyler said. “He’s extremely popular with everyone up here because he goes above and beyond.”
Thursday morning, candles, balloons and flowers were among a growing number of items seen outside the Lancaster Sheriff’s station in honor of Owen.