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

Deputy Sheriff Tucker Blakely
Knox County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: October 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Shannon Eric "Shane" Lang, Sr.
Marion County Sheriff's Department, TN
EOW: September 17, 2023

Captain John Robert Randolph, III
Ringling Police Department, OK
EOW: September 25, 2023

Correctional Officer I Robert Danforth Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023