Lieutenant Herbert Berkeley Stovall Jr., a 64-year-old officer with the Peralta Community College District Police Department, was killed on August 16, 1995, in Peralta, California. He had been in his office when an officer assistance call came in about an auto theft suspect chased into the estuary separating Laney College campus from the football field. Stovall ordered the suspect out of the water at gunpoint; a struggle followed as the suspect approached and both men fell into the water. During the altercation the suspect gained control of Stovall’s weapon and shot him underwater.

The suspect, identified as Gerald Collier, was apprehended and charged with Stovall’s murder. Collier attempted an insanity defense at trial. Stovall was described as a dedicated officer, a United States Air Force veteran, and a family man; his funeral drew officers from across the state. Does anyone have information about the incident or knew Lieutenant Stovall that could add detail to the timeline?