San Diego bridge renamed for slain Fil-Am cop

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SAN DIEGO, California – A bridge in Chula Vista has been named for a Filipino police officer who was killed on duty in 2016.

The Officer Jonathan “JD” M. de Guzman Memorial Bridge was dedicated Thursday, July 19 in de Guzman’s hometown.

The 16-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department was shot and killed in Southcrest in July of 2016. His partner Officer Wade Irwin was also shot and was seriously injured.

A sign bearing de Guzman’s name will be posted on the side of the bridge that brings Palomar Street commuters across Interstate 805, according to a report by NBC San Diego.

De Guzman emigrated from the Philippines when he was 20 years old. During his 16 years on the force, he served on the SWAT and Gang Suppression units. He also received a purple heart when he was stabbed on duty in 2003.

Jesse Michael Gomez, 56, the San Diego man who is accused of shooting and killing de Guzman, and shooting Irwin, will face the death penalty, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said last December.