(June 24, 2005, updated after midnight June 25) -- An L.A. County Sheriff Deputy based at the Lakewood station was fatally shot this afternoon in Hawaiian Gardens, a stone's throw from El Dorado Park Estates, in the area of the 12200 block of 223d St.

A major manhunt ensued which lasted from midafternoon into the evening.

[update] By 10:00 p.m., a suspect description was released, and about midnight, Sheriffs took the suspect into custody.

Deputy Jerry Ortiz, a 15 year LASD veteran and a Gang Enforcement Deputy, was mortally wounded -- shot in the head -- by a gunman who fled on foot, disappearing into the surrounding neighborhood.

Deputy Ortiz's name will now be inscribed on the memorial wall outside LASD's station on Clark Ave.

As word of deputy Ortiz's passing spread, this man came to pay his respects. He stood in silence, and was the first (of many) to place flowers at the wall for Deputy Ortiz.

"My son is a police officer," he said.

LASD established a large perimeter and LBPD assisted, closing access to Norwalk Blvd. at Wardlow Rd.

LBPD Officer Nahin Anaya efficiently detoured residents, dispensing instructions in English and Spanish.

News helicopters created a constant drone as L.A. TV outlets suspended their scheduled afternoon news stories to report the brazen crime and its aftermath.