California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 16, 1975
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 6185
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 4, 1975
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison
Officer Alfred Turner succumbed to injuries received two weeks earlier when he made a traffic stop on I-5 near Los Banos.
Unbeknownst to Officer Turner, the vehicle had just been reported stolen. As he approached the car, the suspect exited and began walking toward him. The man suddenly pulled out a .357 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Officer Turner three times. Although critically wounded, Officer Turner was able to return fire and strike the suspect five times.
Officer Turner was transported to St. Agnes Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds after five operations.
The suspect recovered from his wounds and was charged with murder. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 2010. He will be eligible for parole again in 2024.
Officer Turner was a United States Navy veteran who served with the California Highway Patrol for seven years and was assigned to the Los Banos area. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.