Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, October 9, 1970
Add to My HeroesWilliam L. Martin
Officer William Martin was shot and killed after he and his Sergeant were involved in a vehicle pursuit on the Nimitz Freeway.
As the vehicle left the freewa, two suspects ran out the vehicle and began to flee. As the Sergeant rounded the corner one of the suspects opened fire on him in his cruiser. Officer Martin also rounded the corner. He and the second suspect exchanged gunfire. The suspect was killed instantly and Officer Martin received fatal wounds as well. A second suspect committed suicide and two more were apprehended.
Officer Martin had been a member of the Oakland Police Department for 18 months.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 1 year, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender One killed, one committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsTony Williams and I were remembering you at a recent Mt. Eden High reunion, and we were both proud of you and your heroic sacrifice. I was there that night and pursued one of the bad guys to his apartment, where he barricaded and killed himself. It's been 50 years, and I can still remember you asking me about studying together for the upcoming sergeants test, just days before it all ended. Rest in peace, you are not forgotten.
Douglas Krathwohl
Retired; Chief, San Pablo P.D. previously Captain, Oakland P.D.
June 14, 2020
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