Orange County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Age: 69
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 98
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 6, 1980
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 18 years
Sergeant Ira Essoe succumbed to complications of gunshot wounds sustained on November 6th, 1980.
He and his partner, who were both in plainclothes, had gone to the Mall of Orange to collect bail on a warrant. When they arrived at the location, they observed three men breaking into a car in the mall's parking lot.
Sergeant Essoe approached one side of the car as his partner approached the other. One of the subjects was able to disarm Sergeant Essoe's partner at gunpoint, and ordered him to lay on the ground. Sergeant Essoe drew his revolver and engaged the suspect who was giving commands to his partner while the other two men fled. Sergeant Essoe's partner was able to seek cover during the shootout.
One of the men who was fleeing on foot opened fire on Sergeant Essoe, then returned to the vehicle and shot Sergeant Essoe from behind.
Sergeant Essoe remained in poor health and passed away from direct complications of the wounds on February 4th, 2010.
Two of the subjects were apprehended following a high speed pursuit a short time later. The third was later linked to the crime while in federal prison for bank robbery. All three were sentenced to eight to 18 years in prison for the original shooting and attempted murder. In 2010 the Orange County District Attorney charged the men with murder. In response to an appeal of a preliminary ruling, the California Court of Appeals ruled that based on the laws governing the crime in 1980, the suspects could not be charged for his murder. They were released from custody after one year.
Sergeant Essoe had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.