Guam Police Department, Guam
End of Watch: Friday, July 22, 1966
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 32
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 22, 1966
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer John Santos was shot and killed after following a car of suspected illegal hunters.
Officer Santos pursued the suspects near the junction of North Tumon and Route 1. He pulled over their vehicle on a secluded section of the road and situated his patrol car directly in front of their vehicle. He was shot from behind while still in the squad car. There were two shots fired into the rear windshield of the patrol car, striking him in the back and in the head. His body was found slumped forward in the driver’s seat.
His assailants fled the scene, but the case was later solved. Three youths and two adults were arrested, and it was learned the individuals' plan was to ambush the officer. The two adults were convicted of second-degree manslaughter. The juveniles were remanded to juvenile court.
Officer Santos had served with the Guam Police Department for five years. He was survived by his expectant wife and two sons.
A section of the road was named Santos Road in his honor.