California Department of Justice, California
End of Watch: Friday, December 7, 1973
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 5, 1973
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Field Supervisor Steven Armenta was shot and killed following an undercover drug purchase in the city of Benicia.
When the officers attempted to arrest the suspect, he opened fire, fatally wounding Supervisor Armenta.
On August 27, 1974, the suspect, 21, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of selling cocaine, and sentenced to four 5 year to life terms to be served concurrently.
Supervisor Armenta was assigned to the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. He was survived by his wife and two children.