In Memory of Detective Luca Benedetti
California Detective Shot and Killed During Search
On Monday, May 10, 2021, California officials briefed the public about a shooting that killed a San Luis Obispo Police Officer. Detective Luca Benedetti, age 37, was shot and killed while executing a search warrant. He had worked as a law enforcement officer since the age of 25.
Detective Luca and six other officers had been working on an investigation on a series of burglaries in the area. The suspect lived in the Camellia Court Apartments. They were about to execute a search warrant on the apartment of the suspected robber.
Detectives identified themselves clearly and asked to enter. They waited for several minutes with no response and decided to make an entry. Inside the apartment, the suspect was armed and waiting. He opened fire on the detectives as they entered. Both officers were struck; however, they returned fire. It was around 5:30 pm when the first gunfire was heard. The suspect was killed when officers returned fire.
Detective Benedetti was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he died from his wounds. The other detective is being treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Benedetti is the seventh California officer to die in the line of duty in 2021.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
Benedetti served his community as a law enforcement officer for the San Luis Obispo Police Department for the last 12 years. The San Luis Obispo Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency with many services available for their community. The department is staffed with approximately 60 sworn officers and additional supporting staff. Officers for the department provide protection and other law enforcement services to about 44,000 residents.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department has many programs to partner with residents and businesses to keep the community safe. It is also a part of the department’s mission statement. The agency’s mission is “to maintain a safe city by working in partnership with the community to protect life and property, prevent and reduce crime, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods while preserving the rights of all through a commitment to service, pride, and integrity.”
Remembrances
His wife and two children survive detective Luca Benedetti. The California area law enforcement officers will help the Benedetti family honor the sacrifice made by Benedetti. They will forever be there for them to support the family through their grief.
The San Luis Obispo Police Chief Rick Scott made a statement about the loss of Benedetti. “Yesterday was an absolute tragedy. An officer died serving this community. This tragic loss will be deeply felt.”
San Luis Obispo Mayor Heide Harmon shared her thoughts on the tragedy. “Our community is heartbroken. Det. Benedetti loved this city and bravely gave his life so that we could live in peace and safety. Luca’s children have lost their father so that we could be safe. We will hold Det. Benedetti and his family in our hearts forever.”
City Manager Derek Johnson shared his condolences with the Benedetti family. “This is a tragedy beyond measure for all of those who serve and care about our community. Our deepest condolences go out to the family. We are devastated by this loss.”
Acting Chief Brian Amoroso shared his thoughts on losing a fine officer like Benedetti. “I had the distinct pleasure of working with Luca over the past nine years. He was a dedicated officer, a talented detective, a proud member of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team, and most importantly, a loving husband and father.”
