Pinole Police Department, California
End of Watch Monday, July 24, 1972
Add to My HeroesJohn Mueller Sellers
Patrolman John Sellers was shot and killed when he responded to a disturbance at a the Antlers Bar in Pinole.
A patron who was involved in an altercation with another patron pulled a pistol and shot the officer as he intervened. A personal friend with Patrolman Sellers disarmed the suspect and held on to him until police arrived. The suspect was suffering from an inoperable blood clot in his brain that caused anger issues which got worse when he was drinking.
The 69-year-old suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed on February 6th, 1973. On May 9, 1974, psychiatrists at Atascadero State Hospital told the judge in his case that he was sane. He only had a problem when he drank alcohol and he was aware of that. They warned the court that if he was released he could kill again if he drank. On May 13, 1975, hospital officials said they could not legally hold him and he was released. There were no other reported problems and he died in 1987.
Patrolman Sellers had served with the Pinole Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and two children. He was a U.S. Army Captain who served in Vietnam.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Not guilty by reason of insanity
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsPatrolman Sellers,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 24, 2023
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