NCJ Number
131661
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using illustrative diagrams, videos of the crime scene, and still shots, this video presents a narration of events associated with the killing of four police officers in Newhall, Calif., in 1970 following a vehicle stop; the description of the events is followed by an outline of lessons police should learn from this tragedy.
Abstract
The vehicle stop was made by two patrol officers in a single vehicle pursuant to identification of the suspect vehicle as the one whose driver had been reported twice that day for brandishing a gun while in his car. The driver exited the vehicle and leaned against it with legs spread upon command from the officers, who were in defensive positions against their car with spotlight shining into and around the suspects' car. Presumably the officers could see a passenger still in the car on the front right side. One officer, armed with a shotgun, approached the vehicle on the right side and reached to open the door, whereupon the passenger fired a handgun pointblank into the officer's chest, killing him instantly. This diversion enabled the driver to pull a handgun from his waist and fire on the other officer, killing him. A backup patrol car with two officers subsequently arrived on the scene and exchanged fire with the suspects. The two officers were killed. One suspect was later arrested, and the other killed himself after being cornered in a hostage's house. Lessons taught from this incident are to never approach a vehicle known to have armed persons inside until all have exited and officers have an overwhelming advantage; wait for backup units to arrive before giving up a safe position; have a rational and safe plan for the stop; always maintain the advantage over suspects; expect the unusual; and leave the scene if the risks are too great.