Detective James Edward O’Brien of the Oxnard Police Department was killed on December 2, 1993, after pursuing a gunman who had opened fire at an unemployment office in Oxnard. Born July 30, 1958, in Long Beach, O’Brien had served nine years with Oxnard PD and received the Medal of Valor from the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County in 1991 for rescuing a resident’s life.

The gunman, identified as Alan Winterbourne, had shot seven people at the unemployment office, killing three, before fleeing. Detective O’Brien was shot and killed with a hunting rifle near Olivas Park Drive and Victoria Avenue in Ventura during the pursuit. More than 10,000 people attended his funeral on December 7, 1993; the service included full police honors, a 21-gun salute, and a long motorcade. His widow, Leslie O’Brien, and their children Kathryn Elizabeth and Sean Patrick survived him.

If anyone knew Detective O’Brien or has information about that day, please share what you remember.