Hermosa Beach Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, June 24, 1982
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: 095
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 20, 1982
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Officer Gary Moss succumbed to injuries sustained when he and his partner were critically injured by a drunk driver that pulled out in front of them on Aviation Drive and Harper Drive in Hermosa Beach.
Officer Moss and his partner were pursuing two speeding motorcycles on Aviation Drive when a car turned left in front of them. Officer Moss collided with the front right fender, and his partner hit the right passenger door. Both were thrown over the car and onto the street 90 feet away.
His 28-year-old partner broke his arms, legs, clavicle, and pelvis. He spent several months in the hospital and returned numerous times for operations. He could never run again and had pain and problems walking for the rest of his life. He was forced to retire from the police department but returned to full duty three years later and retired in 2008.
Officer Moss was transported to South Bay Hospital, succumbing to head injuries four days later. He donated his organs as his last act of service.
The suspect was found guilty of drunk driving but acquitted of felony manslaughter. The jury said the officers were at fault because they were speeding. He never spent a day in jail and was placed on probation for driving drunk.
Officer Moss had served with the Hermosa Beach Police Department for 15 months. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.