Police officer killed in CA after catfishing girl, killing family - USA TODAY

Austin Lee Edwards, 28, also likely set fire to the family’s home in Riverside, California, before leaving with the girl, the Riverside Police Department announced in a news release.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies killed Edwards after locating him with the teenager later that day, police said.

Police in Riverside were initially called to the girl's home late Friday morning to check on the welfare of a girl who appeared distressed while getting into a Red Kia Soul with a man, police said.

The teenage girl was unharmed and placed into protective custody of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, police said

Officials said Edwards previously worked for the Virginia State Police as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office

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