Eureka Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 1996
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: November 21, 1996
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Detective Charles Swanson suffered a fatal heart attack following a struggle with a suspect.
He and his partner were preparing to search a location for a felony case when the suspects showed up at the location and then sped away. The two officers pursued the suspects until the their vehicle crashed and they fled on foot.
Detective Swanson caught up with one of the suspects and arrested him after a violent struggle. He collapsed after placing the suspect in the back of his patrol car. His partner immediately administered CPR and called for assistance. Detective Swanson was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Detective Swanson had been recognized as the Officer of the Year award twice during his 22-year career. He is survived by his wife and son.