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Officer Richard E. Huerta #47
Killed in the Line of Duty August 6, 1970
1935 - 1970 Age 35 Tour 8 years
We Honor the Sacrifice He Made
On August 6, 1970, at approximately 0130 hours, Officer Huerta made a traffic stop at 11th and Empire Streets. Officer Huerta directed the driver he had stopped to sit in the passenger seat of the police car while he sat in the driver’s seat to write the ticket. At this time, another vehicle had stopped behind Officer Huerta with its lights off. The suspect then approached Officer Huerta’s police vehicle from the passenger side and through the passenger window fired 6 rounds and fled the scene. Officer Huerta was struck multiple times.
The driver Officer Huerta had stopped rushed to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and reported the incident. San Jose officers responded to the scene and found Officer Huerta seriously wounded. Officer Huerta was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During the search for the suspect, San Jose Officers located him in a backyard on 12th Street and took him into custody. The suspect confessed to shooting Officer Huerta and was convicted of 1st degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Huerta’s badge has been placed in front row of the briefing room as a dedication to him.
Officer Huerta was the fourth San Jose Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
