Sacramento Police Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, August 3, 1974
Add to My HeroesDoyle Allen Popovich
Detective Doyle Popovich was shot and killed and a Yolo County Deputy Sheriff was shot and wounded while attempting to apprehend an auto theft suspect in the city's pocket area. During a struggle the suspect managed to grab Detective Popovich's gun and shot both. An hour later an off-duty Sacramento Police Sergeant, returning to his home on Riverside Boulevard from a shopping trip, apprehended the suspect, 27, in his garage.
On April 9, 1975, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. A year later he was tried again, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to life.
Detective Popvich was a U.S Navy veteran and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for six years.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 3, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

