Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, May 6, 1961
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 4299
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 6, 1961
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Policeman Sidney Riegel was shot and killed, and his partner was seriously wounded by an ex-convict wanted for robbing a liquor store.
The suspect opened fire on the officers when they attempted to arrest him outside a residence on Pierce Street in Pacoima. He surrendered to a newspaper reporter a week later.
On November 9, 1961, suspect, 30, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life.
Policeman Riegel was a United States World War II veteran and served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.