Kern County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Friday, March 3, 1989
Add to My HeroesRichard 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 45 ReflectionsI worked with Rick. Being in the escort vehicle at his funeral with Peter B.
Always remembered brother.
Detective Don Morton (retired)
Kern County Sheriff's Department
July 14, 2025
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