Officer Nelson Alvin Sasscer

Officer Nelson Alvin Sasscer

Santa Ana Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 4, 1969

Add to My Heroes

Nelson Alvin Sasscer

Officer Nelson Sasscer was shot and killed when he was ambushed by a member of the radical racist group the Black Panthers.

He had observed the two suspects hiding in the shadows on a residential street, at the intersection of 3rd Street and Raitt Street, and was shot twice in the abdomen as he approached them. Both suspects were arrested later that night.

The shooter was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to five years to life on June 17th, 1970. He was paroled in 1977.

Officer Sasscer was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Santa Ana Police Department for 18 months. He had been awarded Rookie of the Year the previous year.


The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 1 year, 6 months
  • Badge 112
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Paroled in 1977

ambush, suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 26 Reflections

Above all else, thank you for your service Ofcr. Sasscer - for having made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of your community. Though I came on SAPD in 1982 and never had the opportunity to know you, your legacy is well known and will endure eternally. There was rarely a time I had occasion to patrol past 3rd/Raitt that you did not cross my mind.
RIP.

#1453
SAPD - Sta. 31

January 5, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.