Whittier Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, February 20, 2017
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 27 years
Badge Number: 249
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 20, 2017
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and wounded
Police Officer Keith Boyer was shot and killed as he and another officer investigated an accident near the intersection of Colima Road and Mar Vista Street.
Unbeknownst to the officers, the vehicle that caused the crash was stolen and being driven by a gang member who had just been paroled. The parolee had just committed another murder hours earlier. As Officer Boyer attempted to conduct a pat down on the subject, the man suddenly pulled a handgun from his waistband and opened fire. Officer Boyer was killed and a second officer was wounded. Despite the wounds, the officers returned fire and wounded the subject.
Officer Boyer was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Officer Boyer had served with the Whittier Police Department for 27 years and was preparing to retire. He is survived by three adult children, mother, and stepfather.