IT TOOK 24 YEARS FOR DEPUTY TO DIE AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE HEAD

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy Who Lived With Bullet In Head After 1994 Rowland Heights Shooting Dies From Injuries

By Brian Day

San Gabriel Valley Tribune
February 7, 2018

A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy shot in the head during a traffic stop in Rowland Heights 24 years ago died Tuesday as a result of his injuries, officials said. He was 52.

Steven Belanger was a 29-year-old, seven-year veteran of the sheriff’s department when he was shot and severely wounded in December of 1994.

“Los Angeles County lost a true hero yesterday,” Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs President Ron Hernandez said in a written statement. “While he was shot in the line of duty over two decades ago, Steve and his family bravely faced the challenges of his injuries up until his passing.”

“Steve’s death is a tragic loss that reminds us of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to keep us safe. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Hernandez said. “As our hearts go out to Deputy Belanger’s family, friends and coworkers, we ask the public to keep Steve’s family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Belanger was wounded in the line of duty on Dec. 11, 1994. He reportedly left behind a wife and 15-month-old daughter.

The deputy was conducting a traffic stop and questioning an assault suspect when a 20-year-old man, described as a friend of the man who had been pulled over, approached on a skateboard and shot Belanger in the head, according to news reports at the time.

The gunman shot and killed himself later the same day in front of a Paramount church.

Belanger lived with the bullet still embedded in his head for decades.

“The bullet lodged in Steve’s brain and therefore could not be removed,” according to the ALADS statement. “His retirement, ongoing health issues and ultimately his death yesterday, were related to the shooting.”