NYPD cop killings put local police departments on higher alert

ATWATER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local law enforcement agencies are mourning the deaths of two New York police officers who were killed during an ambush this weekend. Some say the attack has put them on higher alert.

Atwater police say this tragedy is a reminder of how dangerous their job can be. They also say the recent resentment toward law enforcement in other parts of the country has affected how some residents are acting toward officers here.

New York City is still shaken by the deaths of officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Lieu. The partners were shot and killed inside their patrol car Saturday by a man who vowed on social media to retaliate for the recent deaths of black men at the hands of white police.

"It's devastating because even here at Merced Police Department we realize what the loss is when you lose a fellow police officer, especially in such a senseless and violent manner," said Merced Police Capt. Tom Trindad.

Trindad says this weekend's ambush brings back painful memories from the murder of Officer Stephan Gray. He was shot to death while chasing a gang member in 2004. This year alone, 114 officers have died in the line of duty nationwide.

"We accept some of the dangers that come along with law enforcement," said Trindad. "We understand if we're trying to save somebody's life or even defending our own, but when they're just sitting in a patrol car basically minding their own business, for somebody to come up in such a cowardly and senseless manner, there's just no words to express how sad we feel about it."

The New York shooting comes at a time when many people across the country remain angry over the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.

Officers in Atwater say they felt that resentment during a recent pursuit that ended at V and 16th in Merced. A crowd of people gathered around yelling "hands up, don't shoot," and one woman even blocked the intersection to record with her cellphone.

"It distracted our officers and put them in harm's way, as well as the possible suspects and the citizens in the area," said Atwater Police Lt. Sammy Joseph.

Merced police say they've heard some similar comments, but have not had any dangerous encounters. And they don't want the recent events in other parts of the country to impact their relationship with the public.

"We're peace officers, we serve the public, we're not supposed to be on heightened awareness all the time, we want to be approachable, we want people to feel comfortable approaching us," said Trindad.

Authorities Action News spoke with on Monday say they respect the public's right to protest and record them out at scenes; they just ask that residents stay in a safe location to avoid putting anyone in danger.