South Orange County Law Enforcement Join Manhunt for Alleged Cop Killer

Local sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are joining the manhunt for an ex-LAPD officer accused of shooting at three police officers – killing one – and murdering an engaged couple in Irvine. 

Patch readers have spotted officers and deputies monitoring traffic along the I-5 at Alicia Parkway, La Paz Road and Ortega Highway.

CHP Officer Chris Goodwin of the San Juan Capistrano office said the entire department is on high alert.

“CHP officers in South Orange County along with all CHP officers in California have been given the alert and are actively looking for the suspect and vehicle,” Goodwin said.

The suspect is Christopher Jordan Dorner, 33, of La Palma, believed responsible the slayings of 28-year-old Monica Quan and her fiance, 27-year-old Keith Lawrence, found shot to death Sunday night in Lawrence's Kia at their Irvine home.

Dorner is also believed to have ambushed two Riverside officers while they stopped at a red light. One of the officers – a 34-year-old, 11-year veteran of the force – was killed.

Goodwin said a “blue alert” has been issued. Much like an Amber alert, which notifies a community of a suspect involved in the abduction of a child, a blue alert seeks the public’s help in locating someone suspected of seriously injuring or killing a law enforcement officer.

This is why the electric signs across the I-5 are asking motorists to dial 911 if they see an ’05 gray Nissan Titan truck with the license plate of 8D83997.

In addition, officers have been cautioned to be on the highest level of alert for their own safety.