Deputy Sheriff Eric Andrew Thach, 34, was killed on October 8, 1999, in Riverside County after responding to a report of a suspicious open door at a residence in the Pedley area. Officers encountered an in-progress home invasion robbery; as Deputy Thach approached, he was ambushed and struck by a round from a high-caliber semi-automatic rifle. The bullet penetrated his protective vest. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead about two hours later.

The suspect set several brush fires during an attempted escape to create a diversion. Responding deputies located the suspect near the fires and engaged; the suspect was shot and killed during the confrontation. No further arrests were made and no additional suspects were identified. Deputy Thach had served with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for three years and left behind a wife and daughter.

If anyone knew Deputy Thach or has information about the events that night, please share what you remember.