Officer Charles Taylor Smith, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Charles Taylor Smith

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, September 9, 1956

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Charles Taylor Smith

Officer Charles Smith was shot and killed while frisking one of two suspects.

He had just stopped a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Highway 99, near Orland, and decided to investigate further. Unbeknownst to Officer Smith, the two occupants were AWOL Marines who had been on a crime spree. As he frisked one of the men the second man shot him in the back. Although mortally wounded, Officer Smith was able to draw his weapon and fatally shoot both suspects.

Officer Smith had served as a military policeman with the US Marine Corps before joining the California Highway Patrol. He had served with the California Highway Patrol for four years.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 4 years
Badge 1359
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Both shot and killed

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Semper Fi Marine. 66 years have passed since your tragic day. May God bless you and honor you for your dedicated duty both to our beloved Corps and our beloved Blue & Gold. You are missed and will always be in our hearts.

State Traffic Officer 7185.
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

September 9, 2022