Officer Emery E. Campbell was shot and killed on Aug. 27, after responding to a disturbance at a local bar. Upon his arrival he observed the suspect standing on the street corner. He approached the suspect from behind and touched his shoulder. The man suddenly swung around, produced a handgun, and shot Campbell three times in the face and neck.
Bleeding heavily, Campbell was able to knock the suspect to the ground and hold him there until other officers arrived and arrested him.
Campbell was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries within an hour. The suspect was sentenced to life in prison.
Campbell had been with San Diego Police Department for three years.
His wife and 9-year-old son survived him.