Nevada Police Officer Fatally Shot Has Been Identified As Father of Four

Deputy Carl Howell was the first Carson City sheriff's office killed in the line of duty since 1867.

Howell, who left behind a wife and four young children, was fatally shot Saturday when he and other officers responded to a domestic violence call in east Carson City, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal. Once officers arrived on the scene, a male suspect opened fire on the officers, wounding Howell who later died at a nearby hospital. 

Howell was with the Carson City Police Department for nine years, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Image source: KTVN-TV

When officers arrived at the scene, shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, police said Howell found an injured woman at the home. As Howell approached the house, Jonathon Pope, 30, began shooting. Howell returned fire, and Pope died at the scene.

Hundreds of local Carson City residents organized an impromptu candlelight vigil later Saturday evening to honor Howell, his family and other Carson City police officers.

"We will never get over the loss of Carl," one officer said at the vigil, according to the Review-Journal.

The Review-Journal reported that Howell's wife and children sat at the front of the vigil, as residents and police officers from other agencies paid their respects. Kevin, his father, told the newspaper that his son said on his last birthday that he would be lucky if he could achieve even just one-quarter of what his father had accomplished as a public servant.

"He soared way above that today," his father said.

The investigation of the incident has been turned over to the Reno Police Department.

"I just learned that the officer was the son of one my Vietnam Veteran Chapter 388 members," Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said in a statement.

Crowell ordered the flags at City Hall and other buildings to be lowered to half-staff. The mayor also announced that the city has launched an effort to provide financial help for Howell's family.

"The heart of our community goes out to the family of the slain officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning," Crowell said. "It is a reminder of the dangers that our first responders go through each and every day while keeping us safe."

"The Nevada family lost one of its finest public servants today," Gov. Brian Sandoval said in his own statement. "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely death of a Carson City Sheriff's Deputy, and pray for strength and peace for his family and fellow officers during this time of tragedy."

U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) also released a statement saying his prayers were with the Carson City Sheriff's Office and Howell's family members and friends.

"His heroism and allegiance to protecting fellow Nevadans every single day will never be forgotten," Heller said.