California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 20, 1967
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 2769
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 20, 1967
Weapon Used: Rifle; .30 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Merle Andrews was shot and killed while conducting a felony traffic stop of a man wanted in connection with a robbery and kidnapping.
He spotted the vehicle and called for backup as he stopped it near Via Rivera and Paseo Lunado in Palos Verdes Estates. As he approached the vehicle with his weapon drawn, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him. The suspect was later apprehended at a drugstore where he held three hostages, who were released unharmed.
The man had told his pastor earlier in the day that he intended to become involved in a shootout with police in order to be shot by them. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on August 30th, 1972.
Officer Andrews had served with the California Highway Patrol for nine years. He was survived by his wife, son, mother, and brother, who also served in law enforcement.