Deputy Sheriff Richard Robert McHale, Kern County Sheriff's Office, California

Deputy Sheriff Richard Robert McHale

Kern County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Friday, March 3, 1989

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Richard Robert McHale

Deputy Rick McHale was killed after being beaten and shot at a family disturbance call at 303 Decatur Street in Oildale at 6 pm.

The mentally ill suspect attacked Deputy McHale, beat him with his baton, and then shot him with his service weapon. The man then committed suicide.

Deputy McHale was taken to Kern Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds the next afternoon.

Deputy McHale was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Kern County Sheriff's Office for seven years. He was survived by his wife, mother, father, and brother.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, March 2, 1989
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Committed suicide

EDP, domestic

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I was 11 years old when this happened. Both my parents worked for KCSO at the time. Of course I was too young to know the immediate impact. Being a police officer for 19 years now, I know the impact. I go up to the Police Officers Memorial in Sacramento every year and I see your name on the wall. Having been in this profession and lost members of our own, I now understand the impact. Even though I did not know you, I do think of you and your family.

Jennifer Marlatt-Officer
Huntington Beach PD

March 24, 2022