San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, June 25, 1979
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: June 25, 1979
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 30 days
Patrolman Dennis Gonzales was killed when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while making a traffic stop on I-8, just east of the Fairmount Avenue exit.
The 18-year-old suspect later turned himself in, claiming he did not know he struck anyone. The man pleaded guilty to misdemeaner manslaughter was sentenced to 30 days.
Patrolman Gonzales had served with the San Diego Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife.