Recently, while driving home from Los Angeles, I stopped at the Newhall CHP Office, located at 28648 The Old Road, in Valencia. I've traveled past the location along Interstate 5 numerous times over the years, each time vowing that I would stop the next time. I was more motivated than usual this time because I had recently determined that there were actually officers in my department (in Northern California) who had never heard of the infamous Newhall Incident and I was determined to educate them.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I observed a small brick monument with a plaque dedicated to the officers killed in the line of duty on April 6, 1970. Behind the monument were four tall cypress trees, representing each of the officers killed. While photographing the monument, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Officers George Alleyn, Walt Frago, Roger Gore, and James Pence, none of whom lived to see their 25th birthday.

During my studies, I've read books and seen video reenactments of the Newhall Incident. While I don't intend to retell the story here, my intent in writing this column is twofold. First, I'll offer a very brief overview of the incident, along with some resources for those interested in obtaining more information about what happened in Newhall on April 6, 1970. Secondly, and of even greater importance, I hope to illustrate how the deaths of four young Highway Patrolmen led to improved tactics and training methods that are still prevalent 37 years later.

The Newhall Incident (Summary)

Officer Frago and Officer Gore were dispatched to a reported brandishing of a firearm. They spotted the suspect vehicle and called for backup. While conducting a traffic stop of the vehicle, the driver was instructed to exit and place his hands on the vehicle. Officer Gore approached the driver, while Officer Frago moved to the passenger side of the suspect vehicle. The passenger door swung open suddenly and a suspect, later identified as Jack Twinning, exited and fired at Officer Frago. Officer Frago fell with two shots in his chest. Twinning then fired at Officer Gore, who returned fire. The driver, later identified as Bobby Davis, then shot Officer Gore twice at close range. Both officers were killed instantly.