San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, April 6, 1985
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 6, 1985
Weapon Used: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Clifford Sanchez was shot and killed by a robbery suspect in the parking lot of a cocktail lounge on North Sierra Way.
Deputy Sanchez was with a friend when two men robbed him. They shot him when they opened his wallet and saw his badge, then stole his gun.
One suspect, 18, was were later apprehended. Two months later a inmate, 21, at Chino Prison was charged with murder. He was sent to prison two weeks after the shooting for violating his parole. In April of 1986 the 18-year-old was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. A month later the other suspect was sentenced to 27 years to life.
Deputy Sanchez had served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 4 years and had previously served with the United States Navy during the early to mid-1970's aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He is survived by his three sons and his parents. His father was a 18 year veteran with the California Highway Patrol.