Police Officer Floyd Harold "Bernie" Swartz

Police Officer Floyd Harold
Pinole Police Department, California
Police Officer Floyd Harold "Bernie" Swartz

Pinole Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, May 3, 1980

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Floyd Harold "Bernie" Swartz

Police Officer Bernie Swartz was shot in the throat and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.

He and other officers were attempting to coax the suspect from a hiding spot, in dense weeds behind a residential area, when the suspect opened fire. Five hours later, the suspect surrendered to officers.

The suspect was wanted for stabbing to death a 19-year-old girl whom he and another man had abducted from her home four nights earlier. He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The man died in prison in December 2020 while on death row.

Officer Swartz was a United States Air Force Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Pinole Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his expectant wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge 2
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender Sentenced to death

convicted felon, murder suspect, parolee, warrant service

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Officer Swartz,
On today, the 45th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 3, 2025

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