Police Officer Albert Raymond Bluhm

Albert Raymond Bluhm

Officer Bluhm was shot and killed around 6:30 p.m. after he stopped a stolen truck at behind the Bali Hi Motel at 16th Avenue & Linden Street. One of two suspects opened fire as he hid in the camper shell of the truck. Officer Bluhm was shot three times and died while attempting to radio his position. A passing motorist notified the dispatcher of his location.

Officer Dale Stone was killed in a motorcycle accident while responding to the officer down call put out when Officer Bluhm was shot.

The suspects, both fugitives from Virginia and wanted in Utah in connection with the wounding of a state trooper, were arrested a week later in Cortez, Colorado, following a chase. The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on Jan. 7, 1973. His accomplice was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years to life.

Officer Bluhm was a U.S. Marine Corps member. He served as a law enforcement officer for 14 years including eight years with the Phoenix Police Department and an early career with the Edina, MN police force. He was survived by his teenage son and his parents.