Detective Russell Lee Kuster, Los Angeles Police Department, California

Detective Russell Lee Kuster

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, October 9, 1990

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Russell Lee Kuster

Detective Russell Kuster was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a man who was waving a handgun in a restaurant. The suspect had gotten into an argument with the owner and left.

The man re-entered the bar with a 9 mm handgun and started waving it in the air. Detective Kuster, who was off duty and in the restaurant, was identified as a police officer by one of the restaurant employees. As Detective Kuster tried to talk the man into putting the gun down, the man opened fire, striking him in the chest and knees. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Kuster was able to return fire and killed the suspect.

Detective Kuster had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 24.5 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 24 years, 6 months
Badge 12884

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
Offender Shot and killed

off duty, weapons violation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Well Russ, another Oct. 9th has come up. It's hard to believe 35 years have gone by since that terrible date in 1990. I still think about you everyday and all the good times we had together. I always looked forward to you coming home every year, and when I would visit you and Sue. I come to this site every night, and you still get reflections after all these years. Shows me how much you're loved and missed!! I miss and love you Russ!! R.I.P.

Harry G. Kuster
Brother

October 9, 2025