Police Officer Ryan Patrick Bonaminio, Riverside Police Department, California

Police Officer Ryan Patrick Bonaminio

Riverside Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, November 7, 2010

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Ryan Patrick Bonaminio

Officer Ryan Bonaminio was shot and killed while involved in a foot pursuit in Fairmount Park at approximately 9:45 pm.

He had stopped the driver of a tractor trailer suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run accident a short time earlier. The driver fled from the vehicle into the park, with Officer Bonaminio in pursuit.

As Officer Bonaminio rounded a corner of a church he slipped and fell, at which point the suspect struck him on the head with a metal pipe and disarmed him. The suspect then shot Officer Bonaminio in the head twice despite the officer's pleas not to shoot. Officer Bonaminio was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later.

After shooting the officer, the suspect returned to the truck and drove it to the location from where it was stolen. The man was arrested two days later.

It was later discovered that the suspect had been arrested 13 times, received several prior convictions and was paroled in February 2009 for a previous crime. In May 2012, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Officer Bonaminio's murder and the jury subsequently recommended he receive the death penalty. On June 25, 2012, he was sentenced to death.

Officer Bonaminio had served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army for four years, serving two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served with the Riverside Police Department for four years and is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.

The Riverside's Tequesquite Park was posthumously renamed Ryan Bonaminio Park at the Tequesquite Arroyo (Ryan Bonaminio Park for short) in March 2012.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 8 years
Badge 1529
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024