Lake County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Saturday, May 2, 1981
Add to My HeroesRichard J. Helbush
Sergeant Richard Helbush was shot and killed when he stopped to assist a disabled vehicle in an isolated area around midnight.
Unbeknownst to Sergeant Helbush the two occupants were wanted for murder in Stockton. After making contact with the two Sergeant Helbush was shot in the back three times as he returned to his patrol car. The two suspects then stole his wallet, revolver, and patrol car.
When Sergeant Helbush failed to return radio calls other units went searching for him and found his body at the scene. Another unit spotted the stolen patrol car and engaged the suspects in a pursuit and shootout. The suspects were arrested and the man hung himself in jail while awaiting a court hearing.
Sergeant Helbush had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Office for 13 years.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 408
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsRest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
May 2, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024