Associated Press
HAYWARD, Calif. — Hundreds of mourners paid their respects Tuesday at the viewing for a San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit sergeant accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer last week during a search of an apartment.
The Contra Costa Times reports that more than 200 people packed into Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, Calif., to view the body of Sgt. Tom Smith.
Smith was laid in a casket draped with an American flag.
The newspaper reports that police from various Bay Area departments, including BART, Union City, Hayward and Newark, also attended.
Smith’s funeral is scheduled to be held Wednesday morning at the Neighborhood Church of Castro Valley.
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend, including Lt. Michael Maes, who accidentally killed Smith.
Maes brother, John, told KTVU-TV on Monday that the two men were friends and golfing partners.
John Maes said his brother is remorseful and sad about the shooting.
Investigators have not revealed whether Maes’ weapon discharged accidentally during the Jan. 21 shooting or if he mistook Smith for someone else.
The shooting occurred while officers were searching an apartment in Dublin, Calif., for items stolen during an armed holdup at a commuter train station.
John Maes said he hasn’t asked his brother how the shooting happened. He said his brother is not a reckless person and always wants to do the right thing.
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