James Hartley Pagliotti was a 28-year-old Police Officer III with the Los Angeles Police Department when he was killed on June 22, 1987. He was on a plainclothes detail with other officers following a burglary suspect and they observed a narcotics transaction at Astoria Street and Bromont Avenue. As the officers exited their unmarked vehicle to approach, a juvenile offender opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun and fatally wounded Officer Pagliotti. He managed to return fire, striking the assailant in the chest.

Officer Pagliotti had served with the LAPD for five years and was survived by his parents, brother, and fiancée. The juvenile was charged with his murder, was apprehended, and has been denied parole on multiple occasions, most recently in May 2022; a parole hearing was scheduled for May 2025. The killing prompted an extensive investigation and legal proceedings and remains a noted loss for the department and community.

If anyone knew Officer Pagliotti or has information about the events that night, please share what might help clarify unanswered questions.