Patrolman Archie Calvin Buggs

Patrolman Archie Calvin Buggs | San Diego Police Department, California
San Diego Police Department, California
Patrolman Archie Calvin Buggs

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, November 4, 1978

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Archie Calvin Buggs

Patrolman Archie Buggs was shot and killed after he made a traffic stop on two gang members for speeding in the 7100 block of Skyline Drive.

As he walked to the rear of the car one of the suspects exited the vehicle and shot him six times. Patrolman Buggs' partner located him laying in the street with his ticket book nearby. Both suspects were apprehended three hours later by San Diego Police.

Two suspects, ages 17 and 18, were convicted of Patrolman Buggs' murder and sentenced to life.

Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the shooter's parole on January 26, 2019. He was later granted parole in June 2020.

Patrolman Buggs, a Vietnam veteran, had served with the agency for four years. He was survived by his fiancee, whom he was set to marry in one month. He was also survived by his mother and by his siblings.

In November 2017, the Skyline substation was renamed Archie Buggs Memorial Building.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life; paroled in 2020

gang member, juvenile offender, traffic stop

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I came on just after Archie was murdered, so I never had the chance to know him, but I worked the same beat he was killed on, and I worked with many who did know him. All said nothing but good things about him. Cops don't lavish praise on other cops for no reason, even if they died on duty, which we had too many of. Archie, I wish I could have known and worked with you, and I wish the remorseless little punk that murdered you, wasn't walking the streets as a free man.

Our Lt John Morrison, a VN vet, wrote a tribute after two of our other officers were murdered, talking about "walking the point". Thank you for taking your turn walking the point, so many times Archie.

I'll meet you on the other side Brother.

SDPD Sgt.
San Diego Police Dept.

May 19, 2024

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