LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) police officer who died in the line of duty today was identified as Tommy Edward Scott, 35, a field training officer, who joined the force in 2001. He was the first LAX police officer killed in the line of duty in the 59-year history of the Airport Police force.
"The entire airport community is shocked and saddened by the loss of a dedicated member of the Airport Police force," said Cheryl K. Petersen, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "Our thoughts, love and prayers are with the family of Tommy Scott in these trying times. This is a great loss for his family, the LAX Police Department and the entire Los Angeles aviation community."
Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Kim Day said, "Officer Scott was a very professional, capable and respected police officer who was well-liked by everyone at the airport. As we try to come to terms with this loss, our thoughts turn to the many remarkable men and women, who choose to dedicate their lives in law enforcement service in Los Angeles and throughout our country."
"Officer Scott was one of the most respected and admired officers on our force, said Airport Police Chief Bernard J. Wilson. "He presented the face of Airport Police as it should be. He was an outstanding officer, who advanced quickly to become a field training officer and a role model for other officers."
Officer Scott was born in Los Angeles on May 30, 1969, and continued to live in the city. He joined the LAX Airport Police force on Oct. 7, 2001, graduating from Rio
Hondo Police Academy on Feb. 21, 2002. Prior to joining Airport Police, he worked as an aquatic supervisor for the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, which he joined in 1986.
He is survived by his father Hubert Scott, stepmother JoAnn Carter-Scott, and a brother, Hubert Scott Jr., all of Los Angeles. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Officer Scott was on patrol on Lincoln Boulevard adjacent to the north perimeter of the airport when he had an encounter with a pedestrian identified as William Sadowski, 46, of Venice. Witnesses said there was a struggle between the two. The suspect somehow was able to gain control of Officer Scott's police car. The suspect drove away at high speed, carrying the officer outside the driver's side. As Officer Scott tried to regain possession of the car, it crashed into a fire hydrant, killing him.
Sadowski abandoned the police sedan, then tried to car-jack first one passing driver then a second. He seized a red Ford Expedition, driving it east 300 yards before crashing into and over the airport's perimeter fence and landing on airport property. The Expedition rolled over and trapped Sadowski. Los Angeles Fire Department emergency responders removed Sadowski, and took him to a hospital. Upon release from the hospital, Sadowski is expected to be booked at Los Angeles County jail for murder, police officials said.
There are two related crime scenes -- one for the initial collision where Officer Scott died and the second scene where the car-jacked vehicle landed.
The criminal investigation is being led by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division. The California Highway Patrol also is providing laser-mapping technology in order to fully document the crime scenes.
Witnesses to the incidents are urged to contact LAPD at 1-877-LAWFULL (877-529-3855).
Airport operations are unaffected. Traffic flow around the airport is moving. The only street closures were in both directions of Lincoln Boulevard, between Manchester Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard.