Police Officer Robert W. Blan
Oakland Police Department
California
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 23, 1973

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 886

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, May 23, 1973
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Officer Robert Blan was shot and killed with his own weapon during a traffic stop.

During the stop, he requested backup but became engaged in a struggle before the officers arrived. During the struggle the suspect gained control of Officer Blan's revolver and shot him three times. When his backup officers arrived, they found Officer Blan unconscious. The suspects suddenly returned to the scene and attempted to run down the other officers, who opened fire. All of the suspects were apprehended.

Officer Blan had been a member of the Oakland Police Department for two years, and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.