Vigil, car cruise held in San Luis Obispo to honor fallen officers

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - San Luis Obispo community members and organizations participated in multiple events on Friday in memory of fallen police officers, including the San Luis Obispo Police detective who tragically died in a shooting on Monday.

Hundreds gathered outside Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo Friday night to honor the life of police detective Luca Benedetti.

Benedetti was shot and killed while serving a search warrant at an apartment complex on Camellia Court. Another officer was wounded during the crossfire and the shooter died at the scene.

During the community vigil, several speakers including District Attorney Dan Dow and the new SLO Police Chief Rick Scott shared heartfelt messages.

"We're hurting now and we're grieving now, but things are going to get better, that I know. And when we emerge from this, the partnership and the love and support that we have from this community will only be reflected in the service that we give," said Chief Scott.

A choir sang "Amazing Grace" and "America the Beautiful." Candles were then handed out to honor Benedetti

Scott explained, while he never had a chance to meet Detective Benedetti, he has come to know him through the stories people shared. A memorial was created at City Hall so that the community could continue honoring his life and service.

The church also rang its bell 37 times that night to honor Benedetti's 37 years of life.

Just before the vigil, a car cruise paraded through downtown San Luis Obispo to show support for the police force.

The cruise started at the Madonna Inn and was led by six trucks. A total of 100 cars joined the caravan as it cruised through downtown.

Many who watched or were part of the car cruise also participated in the Mission Plaza vigil.