Detective Russell G. Grower, Ontario Police Department, California

Detective Russell G. Grower

Ontario Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, February 21, 1958

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Russell G. Grower

Detective Russell Grower was shot and killed as he and two other detectives from separate agencies went to Soquel Canyon to investigate a gang of tire thieves.

When a suspect answered the door of his cabin he attempted to shut it on Detective Grower when he identified himself as a police officer. The suspect then shot Detective Grower in the head.

The suspect, 34, a former secret service agent with the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Service, had been released from a Arkansas mental hospital in October of 1957. He was apprehended the next day and later returned to a maximum security prison for the criminally insane.

Detective Grower was a U.S. Air Force World War II veteran who was shot down over Germany and held prisoner for 13 months. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Committed

larceny

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Most Recent Reflection

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I’m Valerie (Grower) Rosa. Russell Grower was my uncle. My dad was Robert Grower. My sister Roberta (Grower) Mahoney and I have tried to locate our cousins David, Sondra and Robin. I have many photos of the family. I also have some of his WW2 memories and clippings.. I have lived close to Ontario and have visited the Cemetery over the years where uncle Russell and Grandma are laid to rest. Prayers go out to David, Sondra and Robin in hopes we can meet sometime. Uncle Russell was a true hero.

Valerie (Grower) Rosa
Niece, June 5,2023

June 5, 2023