Deputy Saul Gallegos, 35 years old, commenced employment with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office on January 1st, 2003. He had 7 years of law enforcement experience as an officer with the Chelan Police Department. He was also in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years. He lived in Chelan with his wife, and four young children (twin sons 8 years old, a 3 year old son and a 2 year old son). Deputy Gallegos was a graduate of Washburn University in Topeka Kansas, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He had been awarded the Officer of the Year award with the Chelan Police Department in 1996, and received the Army Achievement Medal in 1993.

On the afternoon of June 26, 2003 Deputy Saul Gallegos of the Chelan County Sheriff's office advised the communications center that he would be at a residence, 1030 State Route 150, Manson, Washington, Chelan County. Deputy Gallegos was attempting to contact the driver of a 1989 Gray Merc Sable station wagon Washington License 575MDT. Deputy Gallegos identified the driver as being Jose Sanchez-Guillen and suspected that he was a suspended driver. The communications center confirmed that Sanchez-Guillen was suspended. There was no further contact with Deputy Gallegos. The next contact to the communications center was from a citizen, over the radio, indicating that Deputy Gallegos was down and needing help. Deputy Simmons arrived at the scene finding Deputy Gallegos a short distance from the residence. Deputy Gallegos had been fatally shot in the head.

A witness to the incident Angelica Sanchez stated that she observed Sanchez-Guillen fighting with Deputy Gallegos at the rear of the residence and heard two gun shots seeing Deputy Gallegos fall to the ground. Angelica Sanchez saw Sanchez-Guillen leaving the residence in the 1989 Merc Sable westbound from the residence. Sanchez is familiar with Sanchez-Guillen from previous contacts. Sanchez made contact with the residents of 1030 State Route 150, Brenda Angulo and Roberto Venegas. Sanchez told them that Sanchez-Guillen shot Deputy Gallegos. Sanchez went to Deputy Gallegos and tried to help him.

Sanchez-Guillen was arrested in Connell, Washington early in the morning of June 29th, 2003, after deputies, working off of tips, located him in a private residence. With the assistance of local officers, the home at 200 West Hawthorne was surrounded shortly before 3:00 AM. Sanchez-Guillen was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Sheriff's Office by US Marshall's and Chelan County deputies. Sanchez-Guillen has been charged with Aggravated First Degree Murder.

A fund has been set up for the family. Donations may be sent to the following address:

Saul Gallegos Trust Account c/o Cashmere Valley Bank PO Box "G" Cashmere, WA 98815