Riverside Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, February 3, 1940
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 3, 1940
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Edward Bertino was shot killed when a man ambushed him and his partner outside of a home on Rubidoux Avenue.
The killer's mother had called police from a neighbor's house after arguing with her son. When they arrived he shot them from the bushes after Officer Bertino ordered him to throw down his weapon and come out. Officer Bertino was shot in the stomach and his partner in the hand. Officer Bertino took cover behind their patrol car and then was shot in the head. The 29-year-old suspect was taken into custody by officers from a neighboring department.
On March 21, 1940, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in Folsom Prison.
Officer Bertino had served with the Riverside Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.