East Palo Alto Police Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, June 22, 1988
Add to My HeroesJoel Michael Davis
Officer Joel Davis was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect with a gun at 1615 Bay Road.
Officer Davis had responded as backup to other officers on the initial call. During the foot pursuit, the suspect jumped over a fence and waited on the other side. As Officer Davis began to come over the fence he was shot in the shoulder by the subject. The man then shot him again in the head before fleeing.
The suspect, 30, was eventually apprehended and sentenced to life without parole in 1991. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison.
Officer Davis served with the East Palo Alto Police Department as a full-time officer for six months and had previously served with the agency as a reserve officer for three years. He had also served as a reserve deputy with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his parents and sister.
A city park was renamed Joel Davis Park in his honor in August 2002.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 6 months
- Badge 32
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 82 ReflectionsI was in the Academy in San Jose shortly after Officer Davis' murder. I never forgot his death throughout my career, and every pursuit I was ever involved in. RIP Brother Joel Davis.
Retired Lieutenant Carl K Thorstad
Honolulu Police Department
April 29, 2023
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