East Palo Alto Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, January 7, 2006
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 14 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 33
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 7, 2006
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Officer Richard May was shot and killed when he responded to a disturbance call at the corner of University Avenue and Weeks Street at approximately 4:30 pm.
When he arrived, he observed several men fighting. As he approached the group, one of the men fled. As Officer May attempted to stop the man, the subject turned around and opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer May was able to return fire and wounded the man in the leg.
The subject, who was a documented gang member, fled on foot but was apprehended later that night.
A 14-year-old law enforcement Explorer was participating in a ride-along with Officer May at the time of the incident but was not injured.
Officer May was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the East Palo Alto Police Department for 18 months. He had previously served for 13 years with the Lompoc Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.