Patrolman James P. Lewis
San Diego Police Department
California
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 29, 1970

Biographical Info
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 995

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 29, 1970
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Patrolman Lewis was shot and killed while off duty when identified himself as a police officer. 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. Although mortally wounded, he was able to return fire, striking the vehicle several times.

The bullet holes in the car helped identify the suspects when the car was found several days later. The suspects were arrested and sentenced to life. While in prison one of the suspects murdered another prisoner to prevent him from testifying in a court case. The suspect was sentenced to a second life sentence for that murder.

Patrolman Lewis had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and daughter.