Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were killed Friday morning in a devastating explosion at a department training facility.
The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time at the LASD’s Biscailuz Center Training Academy as authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fiery explosion.
The fallen deputies have been identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn – all members of the department’s elite Special Enforcement Bureau Arson Explosives Detail, a unit that reportedly responds to more than 1,000 calls each year.
The three men were veteran law enforcement officers, having served with the department for 19, 22, and 33 years, respectively, according to a Facebook post from the grieving department.
‘There are no words to express the pain and sorrow we feel,’ Sheriff Robert Luna said late Friday.
‘These heroes represented the best of our Department, exemplifying courage, integrity, and selfless service. This is not only a heartbreaking loss for their families, but for all of us.’
At an earlier press briefing, Luna described them as ‘fantastic experts,’ adding, ‘unfortunately, I lost three of them today.’
The fallen deputies have been identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn – all members of the department’s elite Special Enforcement Bureau Arson Explosives Detail, a unit that reportedly responds to more than 1,000 calls each year
The three men were veteran law enforcement officers, having served with the department for 19, 22, and 33 years, respectively, according to a Facebook post from the grieving department
Aerial footage captured in the aftermath showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield, and a backpack lying on the ground nearby.
The blast occurred at a site that hosts the department’s special enforcement bureau and the arson explosive detail, which includes bomb squads. Sources told the LA Times that a bomb squad was moving explosives when the blast occurred.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said that while the exact cause of the blast is unclear, ‘all roads lead back to it (being an accident).’
The area has since been evacuated, and a large tarp could be seen covering the site.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said through his office on X that he has been briefed on the situation and is offering ‘full state assistance.’
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media: ‘I just spoke to [U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli] about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles.
‘Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.’
Bondi said in a follow-up statement that she had spoken with the L.A. County Sheriff, and said she had deployed FBI and ATF agents to the scene.
‘Please pray for the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,’ Bondi said.
At least three Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies were killed in an explosion at a training center on Friday morning
Aerial footage showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield, and a backpack could be seen nearby
Police sources said that a bomb squad was moving explosives when the blast occurred. The area has been evacuated, and a large tarp could be seen covering the scene
An employee at the training center reportedly said that they initially believed the explosion was an earthquake due to its force.
Barger said in a statement: ‘I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department facility.
‘I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.
‘We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.’
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis also said in a statement that she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragic incident.
‘My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion,’ Solis said.
‘I am in contact with Sheriff Robert Luna and closely monitoring the situation as we await further details. My thoughts are with all those grieving and the first responders who are on the scene.’
According to the somber Friday Facebook post, Detective Kelley-Eklund became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2022.
A sheriffs deputy monitors a street closure near the site of an explosion at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Special Operations Bureau on Friday
An employee at the training center reportedly said that they initially believed the explosion was an earthquake due to its force. A sheriff’s deputy is pictured at the scene on Friday
Sheriff’s deputies are seen evacuating the surrounding roads after the explosion on Friday
Ahead of the prestigious appointment, Kelley-Eklund worked as a Detective in the Narcotics Bureau as well as in various local correctional facilities.
‘He is is survived by his loving wife, Jessica Eklund and their 7 children,’ the post reads.
Detective Victor Lemus joined Kelly-Eklund in the elite unit last year after he worked as a Senior Training Officer and Detective before being transferred to the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2017 where he was assigned as a K-9 Handler.
He is survived by his wife, Sheriff’s Department Detective Nancy Lemus and three daughters.
He has three sisters who are also on the department, according to the post.
Detective William Osborn however was the first of the three killed in the explosion to join the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2019.
He was described as ‘one of tenured bomb technicians regularly relied upon when faced with a new challenge. He has broad range of experience and could be relied upon to provide relevant insight on broad range of subjects,’ the post reads.
He is survived by his wife, Detective Shannon Rincon, four sons, and two daughters.
