Deputy Sheriff Didier M. Hurdle

Didier M. Hurdle

Deputy Sheriff Didier Hurdle was shot and killed after stopping two suspected gang members at the intersection of Knopf Street and Oleander Avenue at 8:45 p.m.

When Deputy Hurdle and a cadet trainee stopped the suspect's car, the suspect exited and opened fire. The cadet was wounded in the leg but was able to return fire and wounded the suspect. Deputy Hurdle was shot and killed.

Responding deputies were able to follow the suspects' blood trail. He was apprehended and charged with the murder of a police officer and possession of PCP. The other suspect was arrested and charged with aiding and abetting a known felon. On May 26, 1979, Deputy Hurdle's killer, 25, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 11 years.

Deputy Hurdle had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 8-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.