Detective Gerald Wayne Sawyer, Los Angeles Police Department, California

Detective Gerald Wayne Sawyer

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, November 6, 1973

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Gerald Wayne Sawyer

Detective Gerald Sawyer was shot and killed while working in a joint undercover investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

A cocaine trafficker shot Detective Sawyer during an attempted robbery of a $144,000 flash roll. The trafficker and an accomplice were arrested at the scene by other officers and charged with first-degree murder.

A jury acquitted both suspects on September 28, 1974.

Detective Sawyer had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 10 years
Badge 11797

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Acquitted

narcotics, undercover

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Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughtful recollections. Im Christy, Blackie's daughter and I love hearing your stories. I was too young to remember him, so your stories make me smile and give me a better idea of who he was. I tried to respond to some of you, but this platform doesn't allow for that, but if you would like to share anything about him, I would love to talk to you. Christy Sawyer Williams [email protected]

Christy Sawyer Williams
Daughter

August 11, 2025