Police Officer Francis M. Rea

End of Watch:  January 3rd, 1954

Biographical Information

• Age: 48
• Tour of Duty: 7 years

Incident Details

• Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Date of Incident: Sunday, January 3, 1954
• Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
• Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

A burglary suspect wielding a stolen .22 caliber target pistol shot 48-year-old Officer Rea on Jan 3, 1954 during a running gun battle.  Surprised by Officer Rea, the suspect fled from a brewery warehouse, shooting wildly behind him and fatally shooting Officer Rea in the head.  Officer Rea was a seven-year veteran of the Sacramento Police Department.