On Tuesday, September 24, 2013, a stabbing incident in Laguna Niguel, California, left three individuals wounded and a suspect dead. The suspect has now been identified as Connor Bishop Zion, a 21-year old who, according to neighbors, did not talk much and kept to himself. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 7:30PM after officials were called to the scene of a disturbance, which involved an individual being stabbed with a knife. Though no other details were known at that time, when the officials arrived at the scene, Zion’s mother and roommate were injured and immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
A deputy of Orange County was also stabbed numerous times on both arms, and rushed to the hospital, but is expected to recover. After this attack on the deputy, the suspect was fatally shot by another deputy. He was pronounced dead on the scene by the Orange County Fire Authority Paramedics. The screams, utter chaos, and gunfire echoed throughout the neighborhood. “A lot of helicopters, a lot of police cars, just a lot of commotion”, stated Dawn McKinley, a resident of Laguna Niguel.
Witnesses describe frantic, violent scene in altercation that left deputy stabbed, suspect dead in Laguna Niguel http://t.co/XfGVjxHnMD
— Salvador Hernandez (@SalHernandez) September 25, 2013
The specific conditions of both the mother and roommate are not clear, but they are believed to be recovering in a nearby hospital. Though the deputy was seriously wounded, it was not considered life-threatening, and he is anticipating a full recovery.
Deputy stabbed in Laguna Niguel after confrontation with suspect. Hoping for a quick return to duty. http://t.co/4dO6NTfTjO
— BlueLineAcrossAmer (@BlueLineAcross) September 25, 2013
Praying for a wounded Orange County (California) Deputy Sheriff who was stabbed, click here: http://t.co/SXsfyvk9qu
— IronGuys (@IronGuys) September 26, 2013
The motive behind this deadly stabbing is still unknown, but an investigation is currently being carried out by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Image: NBC Los Angeles