LOS BANOS, Calif. (KFSN) — A 21-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly shooting and killing a security guard who was working a private event at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
Gabriel Angel Salas of Sacramento turned himself into police in that city early Wednesday morning.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said 31-year-old Kody Pena was working a private event Saturday night when he was shot multiple times and died.
Family members, friends and former coworkers are mourning Pena’s death.
Martinez remembered Pena as kind and humble.
“He had a big heart. He was very humble, very nice,” she said.
Pena was working security at a private event at the fairgrounds when he was shot and killed, according to authorities.
Martinez said she was at home watching television when she heard gunfire but did not initially realize what had happened.
“I heard like, bang, bang, bang. I muted it because I was watching Cops, so that’s what I thought it was. When I muted it, I started hearing people outside, screaming and yelling,” Martinez said.
“It’s such a heartbreaking thing. I don’t think anyone thinks that they’re going to go to work and not make it home, right? Especially in a job as a security guard,” said Alexandra Garcia of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting has shaken what residents describe as a normally quiet community.
“We’re going to miss him,” Martinez said.
Diversified Protective Services is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our security officers following an incident in Los Banos on Saturday evening.
The safety and well-being of our employees is always our highest priority. At this time, we are not commenting on the circumstances surrounding the incident as law enforcement continues its investigation.
Our thoughts are with our officer’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We ask the public and members of the media to please respect the family’s privacy and keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
