California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Sunday, September 9, 1956
Add to My HeroesCharles Taylor Smith
Officer Charles Smith was shot and killed while frisking one of two suspects.
He had just stopped a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Highway 99, near Orland, and decided to investigate further. Unbeknownst to Officer Smith, the two occupants were AWOL Marines who had been on a crime spree. As he frisked one of the men the second man shot him in the back. Although mortally wounded, Officer Smith was able to draw his weapon and fatally shoot both suspects.
Officer Smith had served as a military policeman with the US Marine Corps before joining the California Highway Patrol. He had served with the California Highway Patrol for four years.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 1359
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Both shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsSemper Fi Marine. 66 years have passed since your tragic day. May God bless you and honor you for your dedicated duty both to our beloved Corps and our beloved Blue & Gold. You are missed and will always be in our hearts.
State Traffic Officer 7185.
California Highway Patrol & US Marine
September 9, 2022
