Family of Tacoma police officer killed in line of duty releases statement

TACOMA -- The family of a a Tacoma police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call released a statement Monday afternoon.

Officer Reginald "Jake" Gutierrez, 45, joined the department in 1999. He was shot Wednesday night as he went into a home to investigate a domestic violence call. He later died in surgery.

The family thanked the community for the support since the tragedy:

“We would like to personally thank the City of Tacoma for the outpouring of love that has been shown for my brother Officer Jake Gutierrez.  We are humbled by the amount of support he has received from the community and the love we have received from his family in blue.  It is quite evident that he has had a tremendous impact on the community.  Although we cannot turn back the clock, I hope everyone can find comfort in the fact that my brother loved his job-he ran towards danger while others ran away.  He was my hero before this happened and will be a hero forever in this community.  With a heavy heart my family would personally like to say thank you.” -- Antoinette Gutierrez - Nevada


Authorities shot and killed 38-year-old Bruce R. Johnson early Thursday after the gunman barricaded himself in a house for hours.

Last week, Gutierrez's body was moved with honors to a funeral home.

The public memorial for Officer Jake Gutierrez will be held Friday, December 9 at the Tacoma Dome.

Tacoma Police say services will be open to the public. A time has not yet been announced.