Huntington Park Police Department, California

Police Officer Robert H. Keller

End of Watch: Thursday, October 5, 1967
Age: 25 years old
Badge Number: 33

Incident Details:
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, October 5, 1967
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown Type
Suspect Information: Not Available

On October 5, 1967 at 11:18 P.M., Officer Robert Keller responded to a silent alarm at a dress shop on Pacific Boulevard. There he met with a security officer from the alarm company, and together they entered the store.  While searching the business, the suspect who had entered through a skylight, had leaped from a hiding place and began firing at them. Approximately twelve rounds were exchanged between the suspect and Officer Robert Keller. Officer Keller sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was able to make it out of the building. He made it across the street before collapsing and succumbing to his injuries.

The suspect ran from the store, but a trail of blood drops indicated that at least one of Keller’s bullets had struck him.  Officer Robert Keller’s killer was never identified, despite an intense manhunt for the suspect.

Officer Keller had served with the agency for one year and had also previously served with the United States Navy. His wife and infant daughter mourned his untimely death.

 

“When a police officer is killed, it’s not an agency that loses an officer, it’s an entire nation.” -Chris Cosgriff, ODMP Founder

Officer Robert Keller unfortunately joins a long list of officers who have died in the line of duty. Keller’s bravery, along with the countless other officers will always be remembered, honored, and respected within our agency, and in Southern California.

For more information regarding fallen officers in the line of duty in the state of California, please visit the Officer Down Memorial Page.