Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Gutierrez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 29, 2022

Rest in peace brother. Thank You for being my friend&football teammate at Woodrow Wilson H.S. L.A. I remember seeing you in the elevator at L.A. County Medical Center on the way up to the 13 floor jail ward to book in suspects. You recognized me first pointed to your uniform and said "What do you think? Good look right? Lol! Thanks for the memories. R.I.P.

Agustin Castillo
Friend

May 8, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 9, 2020

I cannot believe it has been 30 years..... it seems like yesterday Manny & I were walking a footbeat together downtown LA! I miss you & think of you often! God speed my friend!

Police Officer Suzy Regan (retired) LAPD-Modesto PD

February 4, 2019

Officer Gutierrez,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officers who were also killed in that accident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 12, 2018

Rest - In - Peace, Classmate

".....Well, Mike Parlor told us that one of us would die in a horrific traffic accident less than five years after we got off probation....." ~ (REDACTED during The Funeral)

Michael B. Parlor

December 13, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 12, 2017

I never forgot you. A great inspiration my life. Always be apart of me.

David Banuelos

September 13, 2016

Manny-being your partner & walking a footbeat w/you at 5th/Main was some of the best times of my career!!! I think of you often & still tell our stories-RIP my friend!!

Police Officer/Suzy Regan
LAPD/Modesto PD

December 13, 2015

Sad memories. I was at-scene. This type of incident is why I was so strict on seat belt usage.

Sgt Harry B. Ryon
LAPD Retired

December 12, 2015

I just saw a video during briefing of this incident.."5th and Wall"
My opinion on the controvercial issue of wearing your ceatbelt when 10-8 has changed.
RIP Never Forgotten

Deputy R.B.
LA Sheriff's Department

January 4, 2014

Our family will never be same again, but his memory will always live on forever in our hearts.

Love Always,
Cousins Medina

Crystal Medina
Family Medina Cousins

December 12, 2013

Manuel was my cousin and I can truly say he was born to be an officer. We grew up together and went to elementary, Jr High and high school together and shared the same friends. He was like a protective brother that felt the need to always warn boys, they better have "good intentions". I remember thinking in high school he was going to ruin my dating opportunities but instead he weeded out the bad boys. As we got older we laughed and joked about this but he never apologized for being overly protective.

I was pregnant with my first child when I heard about his tragic death and I felt sick and became very concerned for my unborn child. And then it hit me, I started to think about the dedication and commitment he had for law enforcement and how he died doing what he loved to do, protect and serve.
That brought a sense of calmness to me and I bet he had something to do with that too.

You live in our hearts.

Rachel
Cousin

March 29, 2013

Manny was my partner, close friend, and academy classmate at the time of his death. We worked together as new P-2's at LAPD Central Station. We had 4 years "on the job."

On the night of his death, we were set to work together and it was my turn to keep "the books"-or-do the log and be passenger.

I had a Christmas party to attend on 12-12, and wanted to go out and have a good time. I called in and Sgt-1, Dan Shultz, gave me the night off. Derrick, was pulled off his assignment at the Central Front desk and paired with Manny. Derrick was still on probation and wonderful guy.

Randy, being more mellow in temperment, was paired with Vince Drake (the lone survivor of this wreck). I--I went out and had a good time.

Shortly after midnight on 12-12-1988, a detective unit began to follow a car which was listed as "armed and dangerous vehicle-wanted for kidnapping" FROM BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.

As in true, LAPD style, EVERYONE responded to back up these detectives.

The intersection of 5th street and Wall is the main corner of the Central Facility Police Station. Randy (driver officer), and Vince (passenger) left the station out of the east exist, onto Wall Street, to respond-North on Wall Street.

Manny (driver officer) and Derrick (the passenger), were west of the station (on the eastside of the facility-Manny, like we had done so many times before-drove East on 5th street-a one-way street. Manny was going against traffic (on an empty one way street). I had done this as well-it's just how it was done in those days.

The two patrol cars-met mid intersection at 5th and Wall Street. Manny's car hit Randy's car-broadside at the drivers door. Impact was put at 65+ MPH.

Both cars spun out of control. Derrick was killed on impact. He was impailed by a 2X4 plank as the patrol car spun into a construction zone across the street from the station.

Manny was throw across the car to the passenger area and suffered head injuries when his head was crushed. The impact was so violent it threw his badge down the street-and pulled it off his uniform.

Randy was ejected from the car- Randy landed in a ditch at the construction site- his patrol car landed on him pinning him from the chest/waist down. When they lifed the car off Randy-- it killed him.

Vince, the lone survivor, was the ONLY ONE wearing SEATBELTS! He suffered a broken neck and PTSD-for years. Those of us who were there and remember- still carry this awful memory with us.

The most chilling words I have ever been told were those said by my buddy, Dan Putz--when he called me at 4 in the moning at home. Dan said, "John, it's Danny---Manny is dead!!..So are Randy, and Conner--come to the station fast.."

I tell this story now, becuase young cops need to know that "over driving" and driving beyond your skill level WILL KILL YOU! You can also kill others around you if you do not handle your patrol car with common sense.

Manny was my friend, I wear a band for him to this day--IN TWO DAYS, IT WILL BE 24 YEARS SINCE I LOST THESE FRIENDS, AND BRAVE MEN.

THEY ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!

Rest in peace my brothers--

John E. Smith #24687
Los Angeles Police Dept.-RETIRED

December 10, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Gutierrez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

11169

January 14, 2012

23 years.. Man, it does not seem like that long. You guys have not been forgotten. RIP

Detective III
LAPD

December 12, 2011

Hey, Bro:

Since I left LAPD, these days, I have few “LAPD Visions,“ and when I do, I simply keep “My Visions” to myself, and Today, (January 23, 2011), I have FINALLY been able to share the photographs (posted upon a few of my Facebook Sites), depicting the two patrol vehicles from that night.

Oh, by the way, in a few minutes for Lunch, I am fixing Our Favorite LAPD Academy Homemade Lunch - SPAM & Cheese Sandwiches, with lots of Miracle Whip, washed - down by what else(?????) - Kool - Aid.……

(May The Three Of You, Rest - In - Peace)

Semper Fi,
“Major Pain”

Michael B. Parlor

January 23, 2011

Officer Gutierrez - I was one of your brother, Jeff's, FTO's at Hollywood. They put both police cars on display at the Academy. Your death was a tragedy - but no doubt it kept my foot lighter on the gas pedal. Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 20, 2010

You are not forgotten. The three of you live on in the hearts of your LAPD family.

Anonymous

December 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 12, 2009

Manuel

I thought of you today, I think of you often. I remember the good times at City Terrace Elementry. I have known you for over 40 years. Your jokes, your laugh! hanging out at your house when we were kids. You are missed!

I remember the day I bumped into you in Downtown L.A. on Spring Street. I was getting off the bus on 4th, on my way to work. You were so dirty and looked so homeless, then I tried to give you $$$ to help you out and I remember the LOOK and the response. I smile, laugh to myself about that day. I don't think I can write what you said first to me. But! The end of that was: You BONEHEAD, I'm a COP! You showed me your badge and said I'm working undercover...
We LAUGHED so hard that morning, I close my eyes and remember that day like if it were yesterday.

I hope to see you one day, but I know you are with us, watching over all that you love.

Your friend always,
Richard Soto
Woodrow Wilson HS Class of 81
El Sereno JHS Class of 78
City Terrace Elm Class of 75

Richard Soto
Friend

June 9, 2009

It all comes flooding back. I was working for General Services back then and in my first semester for an MPA degree at Long Beach State. One of my classmates was Nancy Lauer, then a PIII. She's a Captain II now. Wonder where the three of you would be. Didn't know "Major Pain" was a classmate. I can't add to his eloquence.

If I recall correctly, Nancy was also a classmate of yours and certainly worked alongside you and your partners. She told me stories. The only officer who survived was wearing a seat belt. There was no argument about belts from sworn or civilians after your tragedy. Even today when I drop in to the academy there are still signs reminding young officers about your story. Ride with the angels and know you will never be forgotten.

Jim Grant - CIAN II
LAPD - Van Nuys

April 20, 2009

Thinking about you. Many years have past, but you are not forgotten.

D3
LAPD

December 11, 2008

M. G.:

It is my last week here.

I ran into one of our classmates. I overheard her discussing that tragic night in Central. What blew me away was the fact that she also told a group of LAPD cops that I had told You and other classmates (while we were in the Academy), that we would be attending Your funeral. I had forgotten all about that until she reminded me.

It then dawned upon me that Your death was the first in a long line of LAPD deaths that I had shared with others on LAPD based on my cursed premonitions. I still have that curse and it happened again this past week.

Hopefully, now that I am leaving, the curse will go away.

However, my memories of You and all of the others will remain with me forever.

I miss You, Bro.

(No-I still have not been able to dig out the photographs that I have of You from the Academy or the photographs of the two black and whites....)

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

October 28, 2008

Not sure if we are of any relation, but sharing the same last name with you is an honor. God bless and you are never forgotten.

Off. Gutierrez
Oklahoma City Police Department

February 4, 2008