Officer William Blea Grijalva, Oakland Police Department, California

Officer William Blea Grijalva

Oakland Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, December 15, 1993

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William Blea Grijalva

Officer William Grijalva was shot and killed in the 3900 block of Lyon Avenue after responding to a call for assistance by animal control officers trying to take a vicious pit bull into custody.

The owner was resisting their efforts.

When Officer Grijalva arrived on the scene he and several other officers tried to take the dog owner into custody. The man broke away from them, ran into his house, and fired a shotgun at them. Officer Grijalva was wounded in the chest and leg, despite wearing body armor, and died in surgery that afternoon. The suspect was shot and killed by other officers at the scene.

Officer Grijalva had served with the Oakland Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, brother, and sister.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 20 years
Badge 395

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, officer assistance

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Most Recent Reflection

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I first met Bill in 1976 before either of us had married; we traveled to New Orleans to see his uncle play in the 49ers game; we traveled to Lake Tahoe and saw Don Rickles, having arranged for us to sit in the front row, Don, in his typical fashion, but without malice, picked on Bill! He laughed, knowing it was all in good fun. Very few days go by that I don't remember these good times, and how I never imagined they could end. He was an incredible friend, an awesome husband and father; and I am better for having known him.

Neil Goodhue
Friend (Real estate developer, prev Foreman, Alameda County Grand Jury

August 10, 2023