Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz, a 37-year-old deputy sheriff with the Yolo County Sheriff's Department, tragically lost his life on June 15, 2008, in Yolo County, California. On that fateful evening, Deputy Diaz was involved in a high-speed pursuit of a suspect, Marco Antonio Topete, who was reported to be driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle. The pursuit ended near the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 99W in Dunnigan, where Topete exited his vehicle and opened fire on Deputy Diaz. Despite being struck in the shoulder, Diaz managed to call for backup before succumbing to his injuries at Woodland Memorial Hospital later that night.
The incident sparked a massive manhunt for Topete, who fled the scene on foot, abandoning his infant in the car. He was apprehended three days later by the Yolo County SWAT team. Topete was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses. In October 2011, he was convicted of multiple charges, including the murder of a peace officer. The jury recommended the death penalty, which was upheld by the presiding judge in February 2012.
Deputy Diaz's death had a profound impact on the community and his colleagues. He was remembered not only for his dedication to law enforcement but also for his roles as a father, dance teacher, and soccer coach. His commitment to his family and community was highlighted during his memorial service, where he was posthumously awarded the Sheriff's Department's gold medal of valor for his bravery and service.
In honor of his sacrifice, the Dunnigan rest area on Interstate 5 was renamed the "Deputy Tony Diaz, Yolo County Sheriff's Office, Memorial Rest Area." This memorial serves as a lasting tribute to Deputy Diaz's dedication to protecting his community and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty.
