James Clark Beyea was a 24-year-old LAPD officer killed on June 7, 1988, while on duty in the North Hollywood Division. He responded to a robbery at an electronics store on Lankershim Boulevard, engaged in a foot pursuit with a suspect, and during the chase the 16-year-old suspect, Robert Steele, gained control of Officer Beyea’s service weapon and fatally shot him. Beyea had served with the LAPD for nine months and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

A manhunt located Steele hiding in the attic of an abandoned house a few blocks from the scene; officers say he reached for a gun and they shot and killed him. Another participant in the robbery, 19-year-old Alberto Hernandez, was later convicted of murder under California’s felony-murder rule. Steele’s family filed a wrongful-death suit against four officers; a jury found no fault in the officers’ actions at the 1990 trial.

Officer Beyea’s death prompted community memorial efforts, including the Officer James C. Beyea Memorial Walk. If anyone knew Beyea, the suspects, or witnessed the robbery or pursuit, please share what you remember.