Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, December 8, 1960
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 7169
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 8, 1960
Weapon Used: Handgun; .380 caliber
Suspect Info: Convicted
Policeman Kent was shot and killed by a robbery suspect.
Policeman Kent was going in to the Lucky Auto Parts store on 86th Street and Broadway, he knew the manager in there and he would get some batteries for his flashlight and be right back out when he walked into an armed robbery in progress. A gun battle with the robber ensued and Policeman Kent wounded the robber before passing away. His partner, in the car outside, was responding to the gunshots when he encountered the robber. He chased him and captured him and his getaway driver.
The shooter was sentenced to death, but later paroled. The driver was sentenced to life.
Policeman Kent was a veteran of the Korean War. He was survived by wife and three children.