Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 15, 1993
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: 395
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 15, 1993
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer William Grijalva was shot and killed in the 3900 block of Lyon Avenue after responding to a call for assistance by animal control officers trying to take a vicious pit bull into custody.
The owner was resisting their efforts.
When Officer Grijalva arrived on the scene he and several other officers tried to take the dog owner into custody. The man broke away from them, ran into his house, and fired a shotgun at them. Officer Grijalva was wounded in the chest and leg, despite wearing body armor, and died in surgery that afternoon. The suspect was shot and killed by other officers at the scene.
Officer Grijalva had served with the Oakland Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, brother, and sister.