Reserve Officer Donald F. Spingola

Donald F. Spingola

Reserve Officer Spingola was killed after being struck by a ricochet bullet that had been fired by another officer at an escaping burglary suspect at 11:30 p.m.

Officers were responding to a burglary at a liquor store at 665 Bancroft Avenue. Officers attempted to stop the suspect from escaping the roof of the building by firing a warning shot, which ricocheted off the sidewalk, striking Officer Spingola, who was providing cover behind a patrol car. When the suspect continued to flee, he was hit by another bullet, killing him. The suspect had a lengthy criminal record and a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

Officer Spingola was transported to San Leandro Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Officer Spingola was a United States Air Force Vietnam War veteran and had served with the San Leandro Police Department for only three months. He was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister. He wore the same badge as his father, who had retired from the agency a year prior.