Suspect in Pomona SWAT officer’s slaying charged with capital murder

A suspected member of a motorcycle gang accused of killing a Pomona police SWAT officer has been charged with capital murder, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Along with the murder charge, David Martinez, 36, faces additional gun and gang allegations, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Prosecutors are still deciding whether they will pursue the death penalty against Martinez, allegedly a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club.

Martinez briefly appeared in court Thursday, but his arraignment was moved to Nov. 13.

Authorities say Diamond was standing behind officers early Tuesday as they smashed through the front door of Martinez’s home in San Gabriel with a battering ram during a search warrant operation, which was part of a larger investigation into the gang.

As officers entered the home, Martinez fired a single shotgun round and Diamond was struck in the back of his head, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said.

Officers quickly retreated, pulling Diamond to safety. Martinez, she said, was immediately arrested.

Diamond died early Wednesday from his injuries at a Pasadena hospital.

Diamond, a 16-year police veteran, is survived by his two children.

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