LASD: 3 deputies killed in arson explosives workplace incident 

Aerial footage of the active scene at the East L.A. Training Facility following a critical workplace incident. Screenshot courtesy of ABC7.
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Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies were killed in what officials are calling a critical arson explosives workplace incident in East Los Angeles on Friday morning, according to sheriff’s officials.  

LASD officials identified the three men killed in a social media post that was shared by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on Friday. 

“With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announces the passing of three of our dedicated deputies: Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn, who were all assigned to Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail.” 

Eklund was an SCV resident, according to a Sheriff’s Department official who said he was not authorized to speak about the incident.  

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. a critical workplace incident took place on the 1000 block of North East Avenue in East Los Angeles at the Biscailuz Training Facility, stated an LASD Nixle alert.  

An explosion occurred at the Special Enforcement Bureau Arson Explosive detail facility where three sworn members assigned to the arson explosives team were fatally struck, Sheriff Robert Luna said during a news conference in which he provided additional details on the incident. 

No other injuries or transports to the hospital were reported, he added.  

Luna did not identify the three deputies killed in the explosion out of consideration for family members who still had yet to be notified. The three deputies served a total of 74 years with the agency collectively, Luna said. One served a total of 19 years in the force, the second served 22 years, and the third served 33 years.  

“This is unfortunately the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” Luna said. “Our employees are hurting right now.”  

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, according to Luna, but LASD Homicide detectives were leading a multi-agency investigation with the assistance of the L.A. office of the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

“There’s a lot more that we don’t know than we do know,” Luna said during the news conference, but he was confident that, now that the remaining explosives were rendered safe, lingering questions would be answered with time.  

During the news conference Luna also reassured the public that there was no immediate threat to the public, and the explosion was an isolated incident. Road closures near the facility remained in place as officials continued their investigation. 

“If you’re familiar with our Special Enforcement Bureau, they’re the best of the best and the individuals who work our arson explosives detail, they have years of training. Usually the average calls that they go to, in dealing with some very dangerous situations or items, average about 1,100 per year,” Luna said. “So these aren’t people who don’t do this very often. They are fantastic experts and unfortunately, I lost three of them today.”  

The LASD also provided on-site mental health professionals from the department’s Psychological Services Bureau for employees affected by the tragedy.  

“LASD would also like to thank the community for the outpouring of support, kind words, and condolences during this challenging time,” an updated Nixle alert read. “The expressions of sympathy from residents, businesses, and partner agencies have brought comfort to our grieving department and the families of the fallen deputies.” 

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a prepared statement shortly after the news broke: “I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department facility. I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected.”  

“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time. We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead,” her statement added.  

Kelley-Eklund joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in March 2006 under Academy Class 348. He was later assigned to the Pitchess Detention Center North and North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. Kelley-Eklund later transferred to Lennox Sheriff Station in 2010 and became a field training officer at South Los Angeles Station, mentoring several new deputies as trainees. 

Kelley-Eklund is survived by his wife, Jessica Eklund, and their seven children, according to LASD officials.  

Osborn graduated from the sheriff’s academy in February 1992 before being assigned to Men’s Central Jail. He then transferred to Pico Rivera Station in 1998 as a patrol deputy. He transferred to Industry Station in 2001 and promoted to the rank of detective, where he received commendations for his work recovering stolen vehicles. 

Lemus joined the LASD in 2003 as a security assistant. He was assigned to Twin Towers Correctional Facility where he ran on the Baker to Vegas running team, after graduating from the academy. Following that, he transferred to Century Station, where he worked as a senior training officer and detective. 

In a news release, Barger announced she ordered all L.A. County facilities to lower their flags to half staff in honor of the three fallen deputies who lost their lives in the tragedy.  

“This is a heartbreaking day for our county family,” Barger said in the release. “Lowering our flags is a solemn gesture to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave deputies. We will never forget their dedication to keeping our communities safe.” 

A procession was set to take place beginning at the site of the explosion on the 1000 block of North East Avenue and will head towards the L.A. County Medical Examiner’s office located at the 1104 N. Mission Road, said Deputy Daniel Dominguez, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.  

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