Memorial Fund Established For Slain Vallejo Cop's Family

The Vallejo Police Officer's Association has established a memorial fund for the family of slain Vallejo police Officer James Capoot.

Capoot, 45, a 19-year veteran of the Vallejo Police Department, was killed Thursday while chasing a man suspected of robbing the Bank of America on Springs Road. He was shot once in the back in the 100 block of Janice Street in Vallejo and died at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, according to police.

Police arrested 37-year-old Henry Albert Smith Jr. of Fairfield for the robbery and murder. Smith is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield.

The trust fund for Capoot's wife and three daughters has been established at the Bank of the West in Vallejo. Donations can be sent to: Officer James Capoot Family Trust, C/O Vallejo Police Officer's association (Sgt. Mark Nicol), P.O. Box 4218, Vallejo, CA. 94590. For more information call 644-3913.

Vallejo police Sgt. Jeff Bassett said expressions of concern, positive comments and generous offers of help have been "overwhelming and very deeply appreciated."

The investigation is continuing, and anyone who witnessed the bank robbery, subsequent vehicle and foot pursuit of the suspect or the fatal shooting is asked to contact Vallejo police.

Information can be provided 24 hours a day at (800) 488-9383 or to Solano Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-STOP, an anonymous tip line that offers rewards for phone tips that solve violent or serious crimes in the Vallejo area.

-- Bay City News Service