Shooting leaves two dead at Caltrans maintenance facility

A work-related dispute escalated into a shooting Monday that left two people dead at a California Department of Transportation maintenance facility in Northern California.

California Highway Patrol investigators said they believe a Caltrans employee got into an altercation with his supervisor about 7 a.m. at the facility in Rio Dell, about 190 miles northwest of Sacramento.

The worker then grabbed a handgun and fired several rounds at the supervisor, killing her, before shooting himself, according to authorities.

She was found dead at the scene, and he died at the hospital.

The supervisor was identified as Annette Brooks, 61, of Carlotta, and the shooter was Terry Hayse, 57, of Rio Dell, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said.

Gov. Jerry Brown said Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Brooks. He offered his and his wife’s condolences to her family and friends.

“The tragic death of this dedicated public servant is a shock to the entire Caltrans family,” Brown said.

Details of the investigation have not been released.

A Caltrans spokeswoman said they were members of a painting crew.

“News of this tragedy shocks and saddens everyone at Caltrans. Our thoughts naturally are with the families,” Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said in a statement.

Brooks is the 187th Caltrans employee to lose her life on the job, Brown said.