On January 20, 1989, Officer Gordon A. Silva, 39, was killed in San Jose, California, after responding to a disturbance near Fifth and East Santa Clara Streets. He and Officer Gene Simpson went to confront a homeless man who had become violent. Simpson was disarmed during the initial struggle and was shot and killed by the suspect while trying to direct incoming units.

Silva arrived shortly after and confronted the gunman, who shot him multiple times in the stomach and leg. Silva underwent two rounds of emergency surgery and multiple blood replacements at San Jose Medical Center but died later that evening. The suspect, identified as Dale Randy Connors, was shot and killed by responding officers after a brief gun battle, so no further arrests followed.

Both officers were honored for their bravery.