Sergeant Forest Underwood

Sergeant Forest Underwood

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Thursday, March 9, 1944

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Forest Underwood

Sergeant Forest Underwood was shot and killed by a robbery suspect.

He was writing a parking citation when a taxi cab suddenly stopped next to him. The driver jumped out and yelled that there was a robber inside a nearby liquor store. As Sergeant Underwood entered the store a man in the back shot him. He returned fire but missed the suspect. As he lay dying he was able to write down the license plate and a description of the murderer on the bottom of the citation he had been writing. The 18-year-old suspect, known as the "Cry Baby Bandit", forced two women to drive him away from the scene. He was arrested two weeks later in San Francisco.

On June 19, 1944, the high school honer student was convicted of first degree murder, kidnapping, and sentenced to life in prison plus 26 years without the possibility of parole.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 19 Reflections

Semper Fi CHPY. You will always be with us. We are so proud of you and may God bless you and your wonderful family. After reading all of the entries below from your family I’m more certain that they will always think of you. I know I will and all of our brothers and sisters in LE as well as all within our ranks. The BLUE & GOLD never forget our hero’s. And you are one Hero that we will always remember. You would be so proud of your Brothers and Sisters patrolling our highways now. They all represent what you stood for and what you gave that fateful day.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol

March 9, 2020

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