A California transit officer was accidentally killed by one of his fellow officers Tuesday, marking the first time that department has ever lost a man in the line of duty.
Sargeant Tom Smith was a Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer. Smith and others went to search the home of a robbery suspect in Dublin, California when another officer accidentally shot and killed Smith. (Via KPIX)
"They kicked in the door with bullet-proof vests and guns drawn for the probation search. ... The bullet found its way past Smith's bullet proof vest near his armpit." (Via KNTV)
"Our condolences go out to the immediate family and friends and the extended BART family and the entire BART district." (Via CNN)
The officer who shot Smith has not been identified, and further details of exactly what happened haven't been released. Smith passed away at a local hospital soon after the shooting. He had 20 years of experience in law enforcement.
According to the BART police chief, the Almeda County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident. All the officers on scene at the time of the shooting were taken in for questioning Tuesday night. (Via KTVU)
Smith is survived by his wife, who is also a member of the BART police, and his 6-year-old daughter.
