Gene Ronald Simpson was a 46-year-old San Jose Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty on January 20, 1989. A 19-year department veteran, he responded to a report about a homeless man harassing people at the corner of Fifth Street and East Santa Clara Street. During the encounter the man gained control of Simpson’s .357 caliber service revolver and shot him. Simpson died at San Jose Medical Center after emergency surgery.

The assailant fled into a nearby parking lot where other officers pursued him. In the ensuing confrontation the suspect was located and shot dead by police. Officer Gordon Silva, a responding officer, was accidentally hit by a shotgun pellet fired by another officer, was critically injured, and later died of those wounds. No further arrests or litigation were reported after the suspect was killed.

Anyone who knew Officer Simpson, Officer Silva, or who witnessed the January 20, 1989 events at Fifth and East Santa Clara streets is asked to share what they remember.