San Leandro Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, July 25, 2005
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 298
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 25, 2005
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Police Officer Dan Niemi was shot and killed in an ambush attack while investigating a disturbance call on Doolittle Drive.
Officer Niemi responded to Doolittle Drive at 11:00 pm for the second time that day. As Officer Niemi spoke to some of the residents, a man drove up to the scene and engaged Officer Niemi in conversation. Without warning, the man produced a handgun and shot Officer Niemi several times, killing him.
The suspect fled the scene on foot and was apprehended the next day. He was convicted in May 2007 of first-degree murder for Officer Niemi's murder and subsequently sentenced to death.
Officer Niemi had served with the San Leandro Police Department for 3 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
A portion of Hays Street between East 14th and Davis Streets was renamed Dan Niemi Way.”