Pasadena Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, March 13, 1969
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 353
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 13, 1969
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Agent Richard Morris was shot and killed when he and three other undercover agents went to the home of a man to question him about the assault of another police officer.
When the four agents knocked on the door at 280 Ventura Street in Altadena, they identified themselves as members of a motorcycle gang. The man's brother came to the door with a .38 caliber handgun and ordered the officers to leave. As three of the officers left, Agent Morris began to struggle with the suspect and was shot twice.
The man was arrested but acquitted at trial on grounds of self-defense.
Agent Morris had served with the Pasadena Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.