Tony Rocha Lugo

How they died

Deadly force

On June 12, 2020, three men allegedly committed an armed carjacking in South Gate. They stole a late model Dodge Charger, which was later located traveling on the northbound 14 freeway and pursued by a single California Highway Patrol trooper on a motorcycle. Patrol units from Palmdale Sheriff's Station responded to assist the trooper. The other fled and the trooper and deputies pursued. The pursuit continued for approximately 20 miles and reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The stolen other exited the 14 Freeway at Palmdale Boulevard and continued east until it collided with a stopped other at the intersection of 20th Street East. All three men ran from the other, armed with firearms. Anthony Cardoza, 19, was armed with a semi-automatic shotgun, fell while running from the other and was disarmed and arrested. The other two men, Ranfere Pina, 38, and Tony Rocha Lugo, 25, were each armed with handguns. Tony Lugo fired seven shots from his Glock, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol at pursuing deputies. Deputies shot and killed Lugo. Ranfere Pina, who was also armed with a .45 caliber handgun, surrendered and was arrested.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Tony Rocha Lugo, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources