Manhunt: Riverside mourns officer allegedly shot by ex-cop Dorner
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Not far from a water fountain outside Riverside City Hall, 55-year-old Pat Halpin stood quietly Thursday night, trying to keep warm by rolling the sleeves of his sweater over his hands.
He was among the first to show up for a prayer vigil in honor of a 34-year-old Riverside Police Department officer who was killed early Thursday morning, allegedly by a former Los Angeles Police Department officer who authorities say is now wanted in connection with three slayings and who has threatened more violence.
‘I came to grieve for the family and the officer, and to support my city,’ Halpin said.
PHOTOS: Manhunt for ex-LAPD officer
The suspect and ex-cop, Christopher Jordan Dorner, 33, allegedly ‘ambushed’ the 34-year-old and one other Riverside police officer Thursday morning, authorities said.
The prayer vigil began around 6 p.m. and dozens of people came to honor the fallen officer and support those trying to find his killer.
It is time to ‘comfort and heal together,’ Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey said before the vigil began.
PHOTOS: A fugitive’s life on Facebook
Police chaplain Steve Ballinger then led a prayer.
‘I know times like this, it’s difficult to experience peace. But Lord, when you’re with us, we can,’ he said. Next, the crowd broke up into several smaller groups and prayed with different clergy.
Some stood around talking, some shook hands, some cried, some hugged, others lit candles.
TIMELINE: Manhunt for ex-LAPD officer
Meanwhile, a massive manhunt was still underway for Dorner, who has pledged violence and is considered armed and dangerous. He still remains at large.
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-- Ruben Vives in Riverside and Ari Bloomekatz in Los Angeles
