Officer Gary Elton Rippstein, Torrance Police Department, California

Officer Gary Elton Rippstein

Torrance Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, December 22, 1968

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Gary Elton Rippstein

Officer Rippstein was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest an auto-theft suspect. The officers were invited inside the home by the man's wife and were immediately fired upon by the suspect. Officer Rippstein was struck by one of the rounds and killed. His partner and other backup officers returned fire and killed the suspect.

Officer Rippstein had served with the Torrance Police Department for 6 years and was the agency's first police chaplain. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, December 21, 1968
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

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I did not know Gary, but I found his story while researching my family tree. I think he was my 5th cousin. I just wanted to say that he is not forgotten by distant relatives over here in the UK. RIP Cousin

Stuart Reader

January 17, 2022