Michael Paredes, 42, was killed in a June 14, 2022 shootout at the Siesta Inn in El Monte, California. Paredes, a corporal with the El Monte Police Department and a 22-year veteran, and Officer Joseph Santana had responded to a call about a possible stabbing at the motel. They encountered the suspect, Justin Flores, inside a motel room; a confrontation led to an exchange of gunfire. Flores fled to the motel parking lot, where more shots were fired. Both officers were critically injured and later died at the hospital; Flores was also shot and killed at the scene.

The case prompted scrutiny of Flores’ background. Flores had prior convictions including vehicle theft and first-degree burglary and was on probation at the time for gun possession and narcotics charges. That record led to questions about how repeat offenders were being handled by the probation system and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s policies. Paredes was posthumously promoted to sergeant and is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Did anyone in the community have information about the motel encounter or Flores’ activities at the Siesta Inn that night?