Police Officer Gene A. Clifton

Gene A. Clifton

Officer Gene Clifton died as a result of a gunshot wound received on October 1, 1971.

Officer Clifton was fatally wounded during a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the Palo Alto Police Department. A team of officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at a residence. The officers were already inside the residence when a suspect fired shots at the officers and ran into a bedroom. Officer Clifton was standing outside the bedroom when the suspect continued shooting, and a bullet went through the wall and struck him in the abdomen.

After Officer Clifton was shot another Palo Alto officer shot the suspect in the face with a shotgun.

Officer Clifton had served with the Palo Alto Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and two sisters.