San Diego County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 8, 1989
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: February 8, 1989
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Deputy Sheriff Theodore Beckmann was killed after his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver on Mission Avenue near La Canada Road.
He was responding to a child abuse call when he noticed a truck fishtailing down the road. He pulled off to the shoulder to avoid the truck but it drove over the driver's side of his vehicle, killing him. Deputy Beckmann's partner survived the incident.
The suspect was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted.
Deputy Beckmann was a United States Navy veteran who served with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for eight years. He is survived by his two sons.