In the Line of Duty

Officer Campbell was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a local bar. Upon his arrival he observed the suspect standing on the street corner. He approached the suspect from behind touched his shoulder. The man suddenly swung around and shot Officer Campbell three times in the face and neck. Bleeding heavily, hewas able to knock the suspect to the ground and hold him there until other officers arrived and arrested him. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries within an hour.

Sergeant Hopkins was killed when his police motorcycle was intentionally struck by a suspect in a pickup truck. Upon being hit his motorcycle got stuck under the truck and he was dragged more than a block. He succumbed to injuries while in surgery three hours later. The suspect was later arrested by the chief of police and subsequently sentenced to two years.

Sergeant Hopkins had been promoted to sergeant the previous day and requested he stay on motorcycle patrol. He had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife, children, and parents.

Patrolman Holcomb died as a result of contracting Spanish influenza. At the time he contracted the disease he was transporting a flu victim to the hospital. The virus was part of a worldwide epidemic at the time.

Officer Lee was killed in a motorcycle accident while chasing a speeding motorist. As Officer Lee entered an intersection an oil truck pulled out in front of him. The impact caused Officer Lee to be thrown from the motorcycle into a light pole, killing him instantly. Lee had been with the San Diego Police Department for four years.

Detective Harris was killed when he and his partner were ambushed by a hidden gunman. Detective Harris returned fire as the suspect ran away but did not hit him. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Powers was killed when his police motorcycle was struck head-on by a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of the road. The impact of the accident caused Officer Powers to be thrown over his handlebars and through the vehicle’s windshield. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Patrolman McPherson was killed after being assaulted while on jail duty. He was attempting to break up a fight between two inmates. As he entered the cell one of the inmates grabbed Patrolman McPherson’s nightstick and began beating him over the head with it. Other officers were able to subdue the prisoner. Patrolman McPherson was transported to a local hospital with serious head injuries. The next day he left the hospital without permission but was later found walking around dazed and confused. He was returned to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Patrolman Edward J. Moore Jr. was shot and killed on Jan. 15, while arresting a robbery suspect. He had just gotten off duty and was still in uniform when he spotted the suspect. He patted him down and confiscated a .32 caliber handgun. As he was handcuffing the man, the suspect grabbed the gun and shot him in the chest several times. Moore was able to chase the suspect for about a block before collapsing. Other officers responding to the scene arrested the suspect. Moore was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries eight days later after contracting pneumonia.

Patrolman Keays died of exhaustion shortly after pulling a mangled body from underneath a streetcar in the downtown area. He had been with San Diego Police Department for 16 years.

Officer Goodrich was killed instantly when his police motorcycle struck a vehicle making an illegal U-turn.

Patrolman Bowers was killed in an automobile accident while in a high-speed pursuit of a motorcycle. Upon entering an intersection his cruiser struck a pickup truck and was spun around, ejecting him.

Sergeant Kay was killed when he was involved in an accident while pursuing another vehicle. Sergeant Kay’s patrol car flipped several times, killing him instantly.

Patrolman Michael Bushman was killed in a single vehicle crash when his cruiser rolled over several times.  It is not known what caused the accident.

Sergeant Everitt was killed when he was struck by an out-of-control pickup truck while he was directing traffic at the scene of a minor accident.

Patrolman Lewis was shot and killed while off duty. He and two other officers had gone to a bar when they noticed several individuals giving the doorman a hard time. Patrolman Lewis identified himself as an officer and escorted the men to their car to get identification. Instead, one of the men produced a handgun and shot Patrolman Lewis.