Hundreds Attend Vigil For Slain Vallejo Officer

VALLEJO (CBS13) – A large crowd of community members gathered at Vallejo City Hall on Sunday evening to share memories of a highly decorated officer who was killed during the pursuit of an alleged bank robber four days earlier.

The somber group held candles while friends spoke about the profound positive impact Officer Jim Capoot, a 19-year veteran of the Vallejo Police Department, had on their lives.

Capoot was shot and killed in a residential backyard while chasing a suspect, identified as 37-year-old Henry Albert Smith, on Thursday afternoon. Smith has been charged with his murder and police do not believe anyone else was involved.

Among those most deeply affected friends in attendance were the members of the Vallejo High School girls' basketball team, where Capoot served as coach.

"Why would you want to take such an amazing person from this world, someone who was trying to make a difference?" asked former team member Allessandra Jefferson.

Capoot's wife and daughters did not attend the vigil but sent a message thanking the public for their support.