Police Officer Lesley Marie Zerebny, Palm Springs Police Department, California

Police Officer Lesley Marie Zerebny

Palm Springs Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, October 8, 2016

Lesley Marie Zerebny

Police Officer Lesley Zerebny and Police Officer Gil Vega were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 2700 block of Cypress Road shortly after noon.

A family member from the home had gone to a neighbor's house and and stated that his son was armed and wanted to shoot police officers. Responding officers, including Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny, arrived at the scene several minutes later. The man inside the home opened fire on them as they approached the front door, killing Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny and wounding a third officer.

The man then barricaded himself inside the home for approximately 12 hours. He was taken into custody by members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. The subject was an admitted gang member.

Officer Zerebny had served with the Palm Springs Police Department for 18 months. She was survived by her husband, who also serves in law enforcement, and 4-month-old child.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge P-524

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; AR-15
Offender In custody

ambush, domestic, gang member

Most Recent Reflection

View all 351 Reflections

I remember the day I heard about your passing. I had just returned from maternity leave and our babies were the same age at the time of your murder. My heart ached for you, for your baby, and for your law enforcement husband who has to carry on this life without you. You are never forgotten and I think of your strength when this job gets hard. Rest in peace, Officer Zerebny.

Officer Chelsea North
Park City Police Department

April 6, 2018