Police Officer Robert W. Blan

Robert W. Blan

Officer Robert Blan was shot and killed with his own weapon during a traffic stop for a faulty headlight at 2:30 am on Pine Street in Oakland.

During the stop, he requested backup when he discovered the driver had an expired driver's license. While placing the subject in his patrol vehicle, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect gained control of Officer Blan's revolver and shot him three times. When his backup officers arrived, they found Officer Blan unconscious with bullet wounds to his chest, leg, and back. The suspects suddenly returned to the scene and attempted to run down the other officers, who opened fire. All of the suspects were apprehended.

Officer Blan was transported to Kaiser Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 12 years to life on December 13, 1973, but was released after serving only six years of his sentence.

Officer Blan was a United States Army Military Police veteran and had been a member of the Oakland Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.