Tehachapi Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, August 11, 1968
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 11, 1968
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1976
Chief Mantoth was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a kidnap-rape suspect. Chief Mantoth and two other officers went to the suspect's home after receiving a warrant on him. As Chief Mantoth followed the man to a room the suspect suddenly dashed for a closet and Chief Mantoth attempted to stop him. The suspect whirled around and opened fire with a .22 caliber pistol, striking Chief Mantoth twice. One of the other officers shot and wounded the suspect.
The 22 year-old suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to five years to life July 14, 1969. He was paroled March 18, 1976. On July 24, 1976, he was arrested in Bakersfield, California, after he kidnapped and brutally beat a woman.
Chief Mantoth had been Chief of Police for ten years. He was survived by his wife and son.