San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, April 2, 1977
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 2, 1977
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Denis Allen was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a disturbance call at 2720 Broadway.
When they arrived they discovered a man was attempting to flood his apartment by clogging up the sinks and he was stabbing a block of ice with a knife. When the man saw the officers he advanced towards them with the knife but dropped it when both officers drew their weapons.
As Patrolman Allen approached the suspect he suddenly pulled out a concealed handgun and shot him in the chest. Both officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Patrolman Allen succumbed to his injuries within minutes. The suspect had been released from jail that morning after serving time for the attempted murder of a police officer.
Patrolman Allen had served with the agency for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.