Chico Police Officer Carleton J. (Dick) Bruce, 36, was shot to death while answering disturbance call at a local restaurant.

The shooting occurred at 7:15 p.m. as Bruce, and Chico PD Officer Tom Jones entered the restaurant to investigate reports that a man was brandishing a .30-.30 rifle. As they entered the restaurant, Elmer Schutrum, 55, suddenly turned and fired on the officers, striking Bruce in the stomach. A brief gunfight ensued between Schutrum and Ofc. Jones until the suspect was grabbed from behind by the owner of the restaurant and the bartender.

Bruce was mortally wounded and died a short time later at a local hospital.

Schtrum was taken into custody. At approximately 8:55 p.m., officers discovered that Schutrum had killed himself in his cell.