Inn is survived by his wife Tela, who is also a Stockton police officer, as well as a 7-month old son, a 12-year-old stepdaughter and a 14-year-old stepson, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said at a news conference.
KMAX-TV reported that officers from law enforcement agencies across the region gathered at San Joaquin General Hospital on Tuesday to escort Inn’s body to the county coroner’s office. Inn’s friends and family also joined the procession.
“They have their own little boy—he was brand new. I wish to God he would live a little longer,” Inn’s uncle Ken Finch told the station.
Finch added that it was “wonderful” to see the love and support for his nephew. “I’m sure he’s smiling right now,” Finch added.
Inn’s aunt Mony Finch also told the station she was touched by the support.
At Tuesday’s news conference, Jones described Inn as optimistic and well liked, adding he was the “epitome of what a Stockton police officer should be.”
“He came to work every day putting his life on the life for complete strangers he’d never met,” Jones added.
Inn arrived at a residence in the 4400 block of La Cresta Way in Stockton shortly after 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, police said.
Police dispatchers had received a call reporting a domestic disturbance at around 9.45 a.m. The caller reported hearing screaming and seeing a bleeding woman with a ripped shirt. She appeared to have been assaulted, police said.
According to Stockton police, a male suspect shot Inn multiple times moments after he knocked on a security door. “It was a violent, blatant and very sudden assault on our police officer,” Jones said.
Another officer, identified as Pancho Freer, arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the suspect from his patrol car, police said.
The suspect briefly entered his home and returned to the front yard moments later holding his 8-year-old son and began to strangle the boy, according to police. The man refused to comply with the officer’s commands, Jones said.
As Freer approached on foot, a bystander tackled the suspect. When the child was freed, police said Freer fired his gun multiple times, striking the suspect.
Officers performed life-saving measures on Inn and the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Lance Lowe. Lowe lived at the residence, police said.
Both Inn and Lowe were transported to the hospital, where they died.
The female victim was not named, but witnesses told police she left the scene before officers arrived. Investigators are working to contact her.
Inn was hired by the police department in December 2015, and was assigned to the Field Operations Division. Inn also served in the “Department’s honor guard, who honor fallen officers in other jurisdictions,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In a statement, the California governor said Capitol flags would be flown at half-staff in Inn’s honor.
“It is with heavy hearts that Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones and friends of yet another fallen California hero,” Newsom said.
“Officer Inn put his life on the line to protect those who cannot protect themselves and will forever be remembered for his selfless sacrifice and dedication.”
Inn was killed less than 24 hours after another California officer, 37-year-old Detective Lucas Benedetti, was shot dead as officers served a search warrant in San Luis Obispo on Monday evening.
The deaths come during National Police Week, an annual event that honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.