Torrance Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, April 17, 1986
Add to My HeroesThomas Joseph Keller
Police Officer Tom Keller was shot and killed after responding to an armed robbery call.
The suspect had entered a sporting goods store at approximately 3:45 pm and displayed a handgun. The workers and customers fled the store and called police. The suspect then armed himself with a M1 carbine rifle that the storekeeper kept for protection.
As Officer Keller and other officers arrived the suspect exited the store with the rifle in his hand. Officers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but the suspect retreated into the store. The suspect then took up position behind the counter and opened fire out the window. One shot grazed Officer Keller in head, causing him to stand from behind his cover. He was then struck with a second shot in the side, just above his bullet resistant vest. The round struck Officer Keller in the heart, killing him.
Other officers returned fire, striking the suspect several times. When the SWAT team arrived on scene, they entered the store and found the suspect dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officer Keller had served with the Torrance Police Department for four years and had previously served with the United States Marine Corps, as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, and as an Explorer Scout with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
Officer Keller was survived by his parents, brother and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; M-1
- Offender Committed Suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 49 ReflectionsI was a Motor Officer with Redondo Beach P.D. I remember the day like it just happened. I was honored to be on the escort with hundreds of other officers from Torrance to Santa Barbra. The overpasses and side roads were full of citizens with flags, hats off, hands on hearts. It was a terrible incident and I wish Officer Keller had not been murdered. It was a more compassionate and civil time in America, at least the South Bay.
Buce Rosin, Lieutenant (retired)
Redondo Beach Police Department
April 17, 2022
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