Officer Merrel L. Kissinger, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Merrel L. Kissinger

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, February 14, 1965

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Merrel L. Kissinger

Officer Merrel Kissinger was shot and killed by a prisoner he had just arrested for drunk driving on U.S. Highway 101 near Oceanside.

During the transport to the San Diego County Jail, the suspect opened fire through the patrol car's screen with a .25 caliber handgun that was concealed when he was searched by another officer. The suspect was apprehended after failing to break out of the patrol car when the car crashed.

The 35-year-old suspect, father of 13 children, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on May 14, 1965. He was a free man in 1978.

Officer Kissinger had served with the California Highway Patrol for 14 years.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 14 years
Badge 1134

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

Impaired Driver

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Officer Kissinger,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 14, 2025