Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant

Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant | Los Angeles Police Department, California Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant | Los Angeles Police Department, California
Los Angeles Police Department, California
Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant | Los Angeles Police Department, California
Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant | Los Angeles Police Department, California
Policeman Oscar Joel Bryant

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Monday, May 13, 1968

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Oscar Joel Bryant

Policeman Oscar Bryant was shot and killed when he responded to an armed robbery in progress at a dress shop on South Western Avenue.

Policeman Bryant surprised four robbers inside and ordered them outside on the sidewalk where he ordered them to line up and place their hands on the window. One suspect, who had a revolver hidden in his waistband, drew the weapon and fired from under his arm striking Policeman Bryant in the leg and chest.

As Policeman Bryant fell fatally wounded, he emptied his service revolver wounding the suspect who shot him and another suspect. Other officers arriving on the scene, took the suspects into custody and arrested three females waiting in their get-away car.

Policeman Bryant was a U.S Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for four years.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 12111
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Apprehended

robbery in progress

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Oscar Joel Bryant

Never forgotten. I was a new rookie black officer and I looked up to you as my mentor and I have tried to always keep your pearls of wisdom with me each and every day.

You radioed that you were responding to a 211 (robbery) call at a dress shop on Western avenue. Because you had court that day, as your trainee, I was assigned to the jailer at the station. I heard the call and that you were responding to the location. I heard no fear in your communications with the dispatcher that day, you were always fearless. There was no immediate backup response because the day shift was waiting in the parking lot for the PM shift to relieve them. (Wasn't the first time being relieved late)

You arrived at the location and had everyone involved face the glass window. Sadly everything changed quickly and you lost your life, but not before shooting one of the suspects.

You gave your life that day to protect others. You will always be remembered and honored as a hero. You were always proud to wear the badge and you lived by the marine code of honor. As time sunsets on my life, I will always be thankful for the time you spent training me to be the best person and police officer possible.
Semper Fi

Joseph E. Barrett
Police officer retired

March 16, 2024

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