Folsom PD In Memoriam

by Mach 5 | Aug 22, 2023 | Uncategorized

: Police Officer Harminder Grewal succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when his patrol car was struck head-on by a pickup truck on Highway 99, near Dillard Road, at about 4:30 am. The oncoming vehicle crashed through a barrier on the divided highway and collided with the patrol car. The driver of the vehicle was killed in the crash. Officer Grewal and his partner, who were en route to assist with evacuation efforts ordered in response to the Caldor Fire, were both critically injured in the crash. Officer Grewal was transported to Kaiser South Sacramento where he remained until succumbing to his injuries. Officer Grewal had served with the Galt Police Department for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his parents and brother.

: Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson and K9 Riley were shot and killed in the parking lot of the Cal Expo and State Fair facility following a vehicle pursuit of a parolee. Deputies noticed the subject and vehicle, which matched the description of one used in a recent burglary series, in a parking lot near Arden Way and Avondale Avenue. The deputies contacted the occupant and learned that he was on active parole. As they prepared to search the vehicle the man fled, leading deputies on a pursuit. The vehicle became disabled when it entered the state fair parking lot at 1600 Exposition Boulevard and the man remained inside. Deputies used a bean bag round to break out the vehicle’s back window so they could see inside. K9 Riley was then deployed through the window by his handler in an attempt to apprehend the subject. When K9 Riley was inside of the vehicle the man opened fire, fatally wounding both K9 Riley and Deputy Gibson. A second deputy was also shot and wounded. Other deputies on scene returned fire and killed the subject. Deputy Gibson was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and 9-month-old child.

: Police Officer Ty Lenehan was killed when his police motorcycle was struck head-on by a drunk driver on State Highway 99, near 12th Avenue, in Sacramento. The drunk driver was traveling in the wrong direction on the divided highway at about 5:15 am when he struck Officer Lenehan. The man was arrested by members of the California Highway Patrol as he attempted to walk away from the scene. The subject, who had at least one prior DUI arrest, was charged with felony DUI. Officer Lenehan was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Elk Grove Police Department for six years. He had previously served with the Citrus Heights Police Department for four years and the Galt Police Department for two years. Officer Lenehan is survived by his wife, who is an officer with the Sacramento Police Department, and two children.

: Police Officer Tara O’Sullivan was shot and killed at the scene of a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of Redwood Avenue at 6:10 pm. She was standing in the yard while assisting a woman to retrieve belongings from a home when a male subject inside opened fire with a rifle, striking Officer O’Sullivan. The subject continued to fire at other officers, preventing them from reaching Officer O’Sullivan or rendering aid to her. Approximately 30 minutes later an armored vehicle arrived, and they were able to rescue her from the yard. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her wounds. The subject remained barricaded inside the home for several more hours while negotiators communicated with him. He surrendered at 2:00 am the following morning. Officer O’Sullivan had served with the Sacramento Police Department for six months and previously served as a Community Service Officer. In February 2020, the Sacramento City Council renamed Woodlake Park’s baseball field to Officer Tara O’Sullivan Memorial Field.

: Police Officer Natalie Corona was shot and killed after responding to a report of a three-car vehicle crash near the intersection of 5th and D streets. As Officer Corona was conducting an investigation at the collision scene, a person not involved with the crash rode up to the scene on a bicycle. As Officer Corona spoke to one of the persons involved in the crash the man then walked up to her and opened fire without warning, striking her. He shot her several more times after she fell to the ground before shooting randomly at others bystanders and vehicles. The subject fled into a nearby home. As responding officers searched for him he emerged from the home wearing body armor, yelled at the officers, and then re-entered the home. He committed suicide moments later. Officer Corona was transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where she died from her wounds. Officer Corona started her career with the Davis Police Department in 2016 as a part-time volunteer Community Service Officer. In 2018 she attended the police academy, graduating in July 2018. She completed her field training three weeks prior to the incident. She is survived by her parents. Her father had recently retired from the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office.

: Deputy Sheriff Brian Ishmael was shot and killed while responding to a call reporting the larceny of marijuana plants in the area of Sand Ridge Road and Mount Aukum Road in the rural Somerset community. A subject operating a marijuana grow had observed several men stealing plants at approximately 12:30 a.m. and stated that a vehicle was parked at a neighbor’s home. Deputy Ishmael and an off-duty deputy from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office who was riding along with him responded to the area. Shortly after 1:00 a.m., he broadcast that shots had been fired. Deputy Ishmael and the off-duty deputy both exchanged shots with multiple subjects. Deputy Ishmael was shot and killed and the off-duty deputy was wounded during the shootout. Two men, one of whom was wounded, were taken into custody by responding officers. The 911 caller was also arrested after it was discovered he was a business partner of the shooters and failed to disclose the relationship to police. A fourth subject was arrested several days later after an investigation revealed that the marijuana grows were illegally contracted by a subject in Mexico. All four subjects, including at least one of whom is an illegal alien, have been charged by both state and federal authorities. Deputy Ishmael had served with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for four years and had previously served with the Placerville Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three children.

: Deputy Sheriff Mark Stasyuk was shot and killed on September 17, 2018 at approximately 1:50 pm as he and another a deputy responded to a disturbance call at an auto parts store at 10899 Folsom Boulevard. A male subject opened fire on them without warning as they arrived on the scene, fatally wounding Deputy Stasyuk and wounding the other officers. Other responding deputies shot and wounded the suspect as he fled on foot. The man was then taken into custody. Deputy Stasyuk had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 4-1/2 years.

: Deputy Sheriff Bob French was shot and killed outside of the Ramada Inn in the 2600 block of Auburn Boulevard while conducting an auto theft investigation at approximately 10:30 am. Members of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Auto Theft Task Force had just taken two women into custody following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle they had observed leaving the hotel. Task force investigators returned to the hotel room to search it based on the offender’s searchable probation status. As two members of the task force knocked on the room’s door and announced themselves, a male subject inside opened fire with a rifle, wounding two California Highway Patrol investigators. The man continued to exchange shots with members of the task force before jumping from the balcony. As he moved from the back to the front of the hotel he continued exchanging shots with officers. Deputy French had responded to the scene and engaged the subject with gunfire as the man attempted to enter another stolen car. One of the man’s rounds went through Deputy French’s patrol car and a fragment struck him in area not protected by his vest. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy French continued to engage the subject to allow others to officer seek cover. The man was able to flee in the stolen car, leading officers on a pursuit before crashing. He exchanged shots with officers again before being taken into custody. The man later died from his wounds sustained during the multiple shootouts. Deputy French had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 21 years and was assigned to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Auto Theft Task Force. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and sister.

: K9 Bodie succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on May 18th, 2012, while attempting an apprehension of a wanted subject. The man had been released from prison due to overcrowding and had an outstanding warrant for a felon in possession of a deadly weapon. The man fled from officers in a stolen vehicle and lead officers on a pursuit, that was ultimately terminated due to the dangers it posed to the community. The vehicle was located abandoned a short time later and the suspect was observed by a patrol officer walking in the area of Crocker Riverside Elementary School. K9 Bodie and his handler responded to the area as the suspect and his girlfriend fled on foot. The male subject was chased into the backyard of 1111 Robertson Way, where the man turned and opened fire, striking Bodie in the face. Bodie’s handler returned fire, killing the subject. Bodie suffered a shattered jaw and 60% of tongue was severed. He died from complications of the wounds on November 8th, 2016.

: Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver was shot and killed as he and another deputy investigated a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a motel in the 2000 block of Arden Way. A male occupant of the vehicle opened fire on the deputies with a 9mm handgun, striking Deputy Oliver in the forehead. The man and female occupant then fled in the vehicle as his partner returned fire. A short distance away the male shot a civilian when they attempted to carjack a vehicle. They then carjacked two other vehicles as they continued fleeing the area. After carjacking the second vehicle the park fled up to I-80 to Auburn, where they exited the highway and stopped on the side of the road. They were spotted by Investigator Michael Davis, of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department, and his partner. As the two officers approached the vehicle the man opened fire striking both deputies. Investigator Davis succumbed to his wounds at a local hospital. The female was arrested at the scene while the mail subject was arrested several hours later after barricading himself inside a nearby home. Deputy Oliver had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

: Detective Michael Davis was shot and killed while taking part in a massive manhunt for the murderer of Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. The subject who murdered Deputy Oliver, assisted by a female accomplice, carjacked a vehicle and fled up I-80 after killing Deputy Oliver. They exited the highway in Auburn, before stopping on the side of the road off of Maidu Drive. Investigator Davis and his partner spotted the vehicle and began to approach it when the male subject opened fire with an AR-15 rifle, striking both officers. Both officers were transported to a local hospital where Detective Davis succumbed to his wounds. The female subject was arrested at the scene while the male subject fled into a residential area. He was taken into custody several hours later. Detective Davis had served with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years. Detective Davis’ father, Investigator Michael Davis Sr., was killed in the line of duty on October 24th, 1988, while serving with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Their line of duty deaths occurred exactly 26 years apart to the day.

: K9 Ado was struck and killed by a vehicle while in active pursuit of a carjacking suspect. Ado’s handler was responding to the original carjacking call when he observed the stolen vehicle. He followed it into an apartment complex parking lot where the driver and passengers fled on foot. Ado was released to pursuit the driver and, as he chased him across 47th Avenue, was struck by a vehicle.

: Deputy Sheriff Lawrence Canfield was killed in a motorcycle crash on Coloma Road, near Chase Drive, in Rancho Cordova. He was traveling eastbound with lights and siren activated, attempting to overtake a speeder, when a vehicle turned left in front him. He was transported to Mercy San Juan Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy Canfield had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years and was assigned to the Rancho Cordova Police Department through contract. He is survived by his wife, two children, and parents.

: Deputy Sheriff Paul DeRouen succumbed to injuries sustained 22 years earlier when he was struck by a vehicle while struggling with a suspect on Waterman Road near Elk Grove Boulevard. He and other deputies had responded to a fight call and encountered two men fighting in the foggy street. One of the men refused commands and began struggling with Deputy DeRouen. An oncoming car struck Deputy DeRouen and the man. The collision caused Deputy DeRouen to lose one leg and his hip, and he suffered massive abdominal injuries. He died as a result of complications of the injuries suffered in the original incident. Deputy DeRouen had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

: Deputy Sheriff Vu Nguyen was shot while chasing a suspect. At 2:00 pm, Deputy Nguyen and his partner, both assigned to gang duties, were patrolling in plain clothes when they made an unscheduled stop at a known gang house in the area of 47th Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard. There, they saw a man who they have never seen before. When they attempted to make contact with the man he fled on foot and led officers on a chase through yards of nearby residences. During the foot pursuit, the suspect opened fire, striking Deputy Nguyen in the neck, killing him. A 16-year-old suspect was later arrested and charged with the murder of Deputy Nguyen. On April 29th, 2010, the subject was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Deputy Nguyen served with Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife.

: Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Mitchell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in the rural area of Dillard Road and Meiss Road at approximately 3:30 am. After contacting dispatchers and telling them he was conducting a vehicle stop, Deputy Mitchell was not heard from again. A backup deputy was sent to the scene to check on him and he was found shot once in the head by his own service weapon. It was determined he had been shot during a violent struggle. The subject who shot him remains at large. Deputy Mitchell had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and 6-year-old son.

: Deputy Sheriff Joseph Kievernagel and Deputy Sheriff Kevin Blount were killed in a helicopter crash while on aerial patrol. A mayday was broadcast when the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure and onboard fire. Deputy Kievernagel made an emergency landing on a hilly area near Hazel Avenue’s bridge across the American River. When the Eurocopter-EC120 landed, the tail end broke off, causing the fuselage of the helicopter to roll down a hill. A third deputy, who was first on the list to become a co-pilot, was also in the helicopter and received life-threatening injuries. Deputy Kievernagel had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and seven siblings.

: Deputy Sheriff Kevin Blount and Deputy Sheriff Joseph Kievernagel were killed in a helicopter crash while on aerial patrol. A mayday was broadcast when the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure and onboard fire. Deputy Kievernagel made an emergency landing on a hilly area near Hazel Avenue’s bridge across the American River. When the Eurocopter-EC120 landed, the tail end broke off, causing the fuselage of the helicopter to roll down a hill. A third deputy, who was first on the list to become a co-pilot, was also in the helicopter and received life-threatening injuries. Deputy Blount had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for seven years. He is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.

: K9 Nero died as a result of injuries he sustained in an automobile collision on December 23, 2003. K9 Nero and his handler responded to assist deputies in pursuit of a vehicle stolen from the Sacramento International Airport. During the pursuit, Nero and his handler were involved in a single vehicle accident. Nero was ejected from the patrol car and sustained fatal injuries. K9 Nero’s career was highlighted by 394 felony arrests and apprehension of 78 criminals.

: K9 Ivan was killed when he fell from the roof of a two-story building. K9 Ivan had served with the Sacramento Police Department for three years and was credited with apprehending of over 50 suspects.

: Police Officer Bill Bean was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to stop a man wanted on an outstanding warrant. The suspect vehicle pulled over and started to drive again, leading the officers on a low-speed pursuit. The vehicle stopped after becoming disabled in the area of Knightlinger Street and South Avenue. As Officer Bean exited the patrol car the man opened fire, striking him several times. One round entered through the armhole in his vest. Officer Bean’s partner returned fire but did not strike the suspect, who was captured several hours later after a manhunt. The man was convicted of Officer Bean’s murder and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole on December 18th, 2003. Officer Bean had served with the Sacramento Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, and 11 nieces and nephews.

: Deputy Sheriff Sandra Larson was killed when the van she was a passenger in struck the back of a tractor-trailer that was broken down on the shoulder of a merge area of I-5. She and the other deputy were transporting two prisoners when the accident occurred. The van struck the back of the semi at highway speed. The other deputy and both prisoners were injured and treated at local hospitals. Deputy Larson had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 24 years. She is survived by her husband, also a Sacramento County deputy, her 16-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old son.

: Police Officer Morgenroth was killed when her patrol car collided with a drunk driver as she responded to assist other officers on a felony car stop. The drunk driver pulled in front of her patrol car, causing a collision.

: K9 Marco was shot and killed after biting an El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy during a multi-agency search warrant at a home on Cedar Street. The deputy was positioning himself at the rear of the house when Marco’s handler opened the patrol car’s door to let him out. Marco immediately ran at the deputy and bit him. Not realizing that Marco was a police canine, the deputy shot him as he was preparing to lunge at him again. Marco had served with the Roseville Police Department for two years.

: Officer Mark White was shot and killed by fellow officers who had mistaken him for an armed suspect during a confrontation with an armed man inside the Roseville Police Department headquarters. Officer White had just finished his shift and had changed into civilian clothes in preparation for leaving. An armed subject then entered the police department lobby and pointed a gun at the desk clerk and a citizen. Other officers who were inside the police station, as well as officers who were outside, responded to the lobby and shot the subject as he pointed his gun at them. Officer White, whose office was attached to the lobby in a different area, was approaching the scene with his gun drawn as the subject was shot. One of the other officers mistook Officer White as a second suspect and shot him once, fatally wounding him. The armed subject survived and was subsequently committed to a state hospital. Officer White had served with the Roseville Police Department for three years and had served in law enforcement for a total of nine years. He is survived by his wife, son, and parents.

: Police Officer Michael Gartrell was killed in an on duty auto accident while in pursuit of a suspected drunk driver. While chasing a suspect in a stolen car, Officer Gartrell lost control and hit a concrete barrier at over 80 mph. The suspect was apprehended and convicted of operating a stolen vehicle. Officer Gartrell had served with the agency for seven years, and had served with the Honolulu Police Department for eight years prior. He is survived by his wife, stepson, parents and brother.

: Deputy Sheriff Michael Cole was killed while responding to a call involving livestock on the road. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a tree on Pleasant Valley Road near El Dorado Street. It is believed that the improper placement of equipment in the patrol car interfered with the proper operation of the vehicle, contributing to the crash. Deputy Cole had served with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for one year and had previously served with the Oxnard Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

: Officer James McKnight was shot in the head and killed while serving a warrant with the Yolo County Narcotics Enforcement Team. The suspect was also shot and killed. Officer McKnight died of his wounds on June 16, 1990. Officer McKnight had served with the agency for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

: K9 Billy was shot and killed while apprehending a fleeing subject. Billy’s handler had pursued a suspicious vehicle leaving a closed business, and multiple subjects fled the vehicle after a short pursuit. K9 Billy tackled the driver of the vehicle and was shot multiple times before his handler was able to reach him. Billy was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect, a parolee with several outstanding warrants, was captured a week later and was sentenced to a maximum of 11 years and 8 months in prison. As a result of K9 Billy’s death, the California legislature passed a law making the death or injury of a police canine a felony.

: Sergeant Richard Deffner was shot and killed while conducting a search for an armed robbery suspect at 10333 White Rock Road. He was commanding a Special Operations Team looking for the suspect who had recently robbed several businesses at gunpoint. After a chase, the suspect fled from the officers as he fired at them. He was later located and another gunfight ensued. A controlled search area was created and the Special Operations Team began searching for him. Thinking that the suspect may have gone up to a roof, which would give him a vantage point to fire at officers, Sergeant Deffner climbed onto a roof to check it. After hearing noises, he peered over the side and was shot in the face by the suspect who was on the ground, hiding in an area used as a dog run. The subject then fled into a nearby apartment where he briefly held two women and an infant hostage. The man was fatally shot by officers when he came out of the apartment and opened fire. Sergeant Deffner was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions. He is survived by his wife, son, stepson, and parents.

: Reserve Deputy Timothy Ruggles was killed in an automobile accident on Laird Road while he and his partner responded to backup a deputy who had spotted a burglary suspect. The deputy was flown to University Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 90 minutes later. Reserve Deputy Ruggles had served with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department for only 11 months. He is survived by his parents.

: Detective David Miller was killed in an automobile crash during a pursuit. Detective Miller observed the men get into an altercation outside of a business and gave pursuit. He was attempting to get them to slow down when his truck hit the vehicle, causing him to veer off of the roadway and strike a utility pole.

: Police Officer Warner was accidentally shot and killed while in the police department’s locker room. He had been with the agency for 18 months and was survived by his expectant wife, who later gave birth to his son.

: Deputy Sheriff Eugene Luther was shot and killed while off-duty when a suspect attempted to rob him. He had just left a restaurant and was approaching his car when the suspect demanded money. As Deputy Luther reached for his off-duty weapon and identified himself he was shot and killed. He was able to return fire and possibly wounded the suspect, who was never identified. Deputy Luther had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 22 years.

: Detective Boone was shot and killed while working a surveillance assignment at the home of a female who had received threatening phone calls. The suspect called the home while Detective Boone was present and then came to the house to carry out the threats. Detective Boone identified himself as a police officer and attempted to arrest the man. A struggle ensued and Detective Boone was shot and killed. Detective Boone was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions in protecting the victim.

: Deputy Sheriff James Machado was shot and killed with his own service weapon during a struggle with a mental patient. The subject was located a short time later walking along Highway 80. As other officers approached him he attempted to shoot them with Deputy Machado’s weapon. The officers shot and killed the suspect. Deputy Machado had served with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

: Deputy Baird was killed during a struggle with a suspect was attempting to rob a business. Deputy Baird had just gotten off duty at the department’s Medical Detention Facility and proceeded to his wife’s business to help her close up. While inside a man entered and ordered everyone to the ground. As the suspect attempted to leave Deputy Baird confronted him. During the ensuing struggle Deputy Baird was struck on the head causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground. During the struggle Deputy Baird was able to shoot the suspect and fatally wound him. Deputy Baird was posthumously awarded the department’s Medal of Valor award for his bravery. He had been with the agency for 12 years.

: Police Officer Rodney Butts suffered a fatal heart attack following a struggle with a felon. Officer Butts had served with the agency for six years.

: Detective Doyle Popovich was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an auto theft suspect in the city’s pocket area. Detective Popvich was a U.S Navy veteran and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for six years.

: Corporal Bruce Verhoeven was shot and killed during the search for an armed robbery suspect. He was working a special holiday crime prevention detail when he responded to an armed robbery call. The suspect had been chased to a nearby apartment complex by another officer. Corporal Verhoeven responded to the scene and began to cordon off an area then took cover nearby. When a group of bystanders began to assemble Corporal Verhoeven left his cover to protect them. The suspect opened fire fatally wounding Corporal Verhoeven. The other officer was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Corporal Verhoeven had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years.

: Officer Andrew Collins was killed in a motorcycle accident while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Officer Collins’ motorcycle struck a concrete abutment, and he was thrown from his motorcycle. The suspect vehicle was recovered four blocks from the crash scene. Officer Collins was a U.S Navy veteran of the Vietnam war and served with the Sacramento Police Department for a year and a half.

: Officer Bernard Bennett succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted four days earlier when he was shot by a sniper while patrolling Oak Park on 35th Street. He was shot with a high powered rifle and the round penetrated the roof of his patrol car and his helmet, before striking him in the head. No one was ever convicted for his mur

: Deputy Kenneth Royal was shot and killed while responding as a backup officer to a felony car stop. Another officer had just stopped a vehicle which was suspected of being used in an armed robbery minutes earlier and one of the suspects had fled into the woods. As Deputy Royal was covered by other officers he began to approach the second suspect who was still in the vehicle. The suspect began to exit the vehicle and then suddenly pulled out a handgun and opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Royal. Other officers on the scene returned fire and wounded the suspect. The suspect was convicted of armed robbery and first degree murder and sentenced to death on October 25, 1968. His sentence was later commuted to life. On December 2, 1973, he escaped from San Quentin Prison. Before being captured four days later in Pinole, California, he committed two armed robberies, kidnapped a family of four, and attempted to crash through a police road block. He was taken into custody after being shot and wounded by Contra Costa County Deputies. Deputy Royal was survived by his wife and four children.

: Officer Eugene McKnight was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two suspects who had robbed a market. Officer McKnight, who was off duty, was shopping with his wife when the robbery took place. As the suspects fled from the store he followed and grabbed one of them. As the two struggled the suspect pulled a pistol and shot Officer McKnight through his neck. Minutes later a state trooper captured both suspects. Both suspects were convicted of first degree murder on January 24th, 1964. The gunman was sentenced to death. In 1971 his sentence was commuted to life. The other suspect was sentenced to life but was awarded a new trial in which he was cleared of the murder charge and convicted of armed robbery. Officer McKnight was a U.S Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

: Police Officer Arnold Gamble was shot and killed at a local bar while responding to a robbery call. in the 2300 block of Sutterville Road. The suspect was attempting to obtain money to hire a lawyer for another court case in which he had fired his public defender. During the arrest, the suspect was able to disarm Officer Gamble’s partner and then shot Officer Gamble. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Gamble was able to return fire and wounded the suspect, who was arrest nearby. The suspect was sentenced to death and executed in 1967. Officer Gamble had served with the agency for 20 years and was killed the day before his 43rd birthday. He was survived by his wife and two children.

: Deputy Sheriff Roger Bauman was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a vehicle wanted in connection with an armed robbery. As Deputy Bauman pointed his weapon at the car, the suspect opened fire, mortally wounding Deputy Bauman. The suspect was shot and killed in the return gunfire. Deputy Bauman had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for one year.

: Deputy Arden Webster was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while making a traffic stop on a freeway. Deputy Webster had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.

: Deputy Sheriff Ora Owen was struck and killed by a drunk driver near Bijou. Deputy Owen had been involved in a vehicle crash and was directing traffic around the scene. An off duty deputy was going by and was asked by Deputy Owen to help direct traffic by setting out flares while they awaited the arrival of the California Highway Patrol and a tow truck. The two deputies had just put out additional flares when an oncoming vehicle fatally struck Deputy Owen at a high rate of speed. The driver was arrested and charged with drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter. Deputy Owen was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean War.

: Patrolman Douglas Cantrill was shot and killed when he stopped a man and woman who were acting suspiciously in a residential area. He was found in his patrol car on H Street, next to the railroad tracks, suffering from a bullet wound to his chest. His service revolver was found on the ground outside of the vehicle. There were no witnesses to the shooting. Two suspects were apprehended but were never charged with his murder. Patrolman Cantrill had only served with the Davis Police Department for one week and had previously served with the Grass Valley Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and infant child.

: Deputy Richard Sheppard was killed in an automobile accident while involved in a vehicle pursuit of a stolen car. Deputy Sheppard had served with the agency for 1 year. He was survived by his daughter.

: Deputy Littlejohn succumbed to injuries received two days earlier when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver. He and his partner were rushing an attempted suicide patient to a hospital when the collision occurred. The suspect was convicted of felony drunk driving. Deputy Littlejohn had been with the agency for almost three years.

: Police Officer Rea was shot and killed during a shootout while investigating a burglary at a warehouse. As he and the assistant chief arrived at the scene in a patrol car when they observed the suspect run in between two houses. Officer Rea exited the patrol car with his shotgun and pursued on foot as the assistant chief drove around the corner to cut the suspect off. When the suspect emerged from on the other side of the houses he fired at the patrol car and he then ran back between the houses. When he did so he was confronted by Officer Rea. The two exchanged shots and Officer Rea was struck once in the head. The suspect escaped from the scene and remained at large until 1967. He was finally apprehended and charged with Officer Rea’s murder. He was initially sentenced to death but the sentence was later reduce to life in prison. Officer Rea had served with the agency for 7 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

: Charles Carter was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a robbery suspect. He was driving on Cavitt Stallman Road when he lost control of his vehicle. He died a short time later at Roseville District Hospital. He was survived by his wife and was a veteran of World War I. Deputy Carter had previously served with the United States Army in World War I.

: William Elam was killed in an automobile accident in the North Lake Tahoe area of the county. He was conducting official business when his vehicle left the roadway and plummeted down a 100-foot embankment. Sheriff Elam had been elected sheriff only 10 months earlier. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

: Captain Ogle was killed in an automobile accident when a taxi cab broadsided his vehicle. He was on the shoulder near Airport Road and Grand Avenue when the accident happened. Captain Ogle had been with the agency for 28 years.

: Police Officer Frank Mello succumbed to injuries sustained three months earlier when his motorcycle collided with a state police vehicle. He was responding to a fire alarm call when his motorcycle collided near the intersection of 7th Street and H Street. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries less than three months later.

: Chief Erskine Fish was shot and killed when he attempted to halt and question two prowlers who had been terrorizing residents of the Woodlake District. Before Chief Fish was shot one of the residents grabbed one of the suspects but was forced to let him go when the other threatened him with a gun. Minutes later he heard several shots a block away and went there and found that Chief Fish had been killed. Both suspects were captured a few hours later. Both suspects, ages 26 and 28, were convicted of first-degree murder in October of 1936 and sentenced to death. On November 11, 1937, Governor Merriam commutted their sentences to life in San Quentin Prison. One died in San Quentin Prison on February 13, 1944. Chief of Police Fish served with the North Sacramento Police Department for seven years.

: Police Officer Frank Lungershausen was killed when his department motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Stockton Boulevard and 5th Avenue. The impact caused him to be thrown from the motorcycle. Responding officers transported him to Sutter Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Lungershausen was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

: Deputy Frank Dependener was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol. Another deputy was seriously injured in the accident. Deputy Dependener had been with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department for 37 years. He was survived by his two children.

: Special Police Officer Charles Wetzel succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three days earlier when he was shot after encountering an armed subject shortly after midnight. The subject had just been released from prison and had confronted a person singing on K Street, between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. The subject was upset the man was singing at midnight and threatened him with a handgun. Officer Wetzel was nearby and observed the confrontation. He approached the man and ordered him to put his gun down while displaying his badge. The man yelled at Officer Wetzel and shot him in the abdomen before fleeing. Although the man was identified as a former convict it is not known if he was ever apprehended.

: Special Officer George Chapman was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress in the downtown area. A store owner approached him and informed him of the burglary. Officer Chapman told the owner to call for backup as he went to investigate. Responding officers found him a short time later suffering a fatal gunshot wound to the neck. Officer Chapman had served with the Sacramento Police Department for only one week.

: Deputy Sheriff Joseph Staples was shot and killed and a constable was seriously wounded when they attempted to arrest six stagecoach robbers. The previous day six men wearing Confederate uniforms halted and robbed two stagecoaches near Placerville. The next morning Deputy Staples and a local constable followed the robbers’ trail to a hotel in the nearby town of Somerset. Once inside the two were met with a fusillade of bullets. Deputy Staples was killed instantly. The constable, who ran back outside, was shot three times and left for dead. Seven weeks later all six suspects were apprehended in Santa Clara County. One suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and hanged in Placerville on September 29th, 1865. Another suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years hard labor. The other four suspects were tried and acquitted.

: Deputy Martin was shot and killed while he and two other deputies attempted to arrest two escapees near Auburn. One of the escapees was also wounded in the shootout and later committed suicide.

: Police Officer Joseph Scott was shot and killed when three subjects attempted to rob him while he was on patrol on 17th Street near J Street. Two subjects who shot him was arrested in Napa and charged with murder four years later. Their arrest led to the arrest of the third suspect. One suspect was charged and convicted of murder. He died in San Quinton Prison in 1892. It is unclear if the other two were ever charged. Officer Scott served with the Sacramento Police Department for one year. A posse of seven state police officers was sent to a saloon to enforce a law prohibiting the wearing of side arms. The posse had arrested one man outside the saloon and when they attempted to enter the saloon a gun battle ensued. Captain Williams, Private Cherry and Private Daniels were killed instantly. Private Melville died one month later.

: Sheriff Joseph McKinney was shot and killed as he and his deputies attempted to arrest several squatters. As a result of the California Gold Rush, several confrontations took place between Sacramento County property owners and squatters during the summer of 1850. Following the funeral of the city assessor, who was killed in a battle with squatters the day before, Sheriff McKinney and twenty deputies rode to Brighton where several squatters had barricaded themselves in a house. As they entered the house gunfire erupted. Sheriff McKinney and two squatters were killed before the other squatters were forced to surrender. Sheriff McKinney had held the position of Sheriff for only five months and was the county’s first elected Sheriff.