Alfred Ray Turner, a 35-year-old California Highway Patrol officer, was shot on Interstate 5 near Los Banos on December 4, 1975, after stopping a vehicle for a burned-out headlight. The car had been stolen earlier that evening in San Leandro. When Turner approached, the driver exited and fired a .357 magnum revolver, striking the officer three times. Turner returned fire, wounding the assailant five times, and was able to radio for help before dying of his wounds 12 days later.

The assailant survived and was arrested and charged with murder; the case went to trial and resulted in a conviction. Turner had served with the CHP for seven years. His death was publicly mourned by colleagues and the community and is remembered as an example of the risks officers face in routine traffic stops.

Does anyone have memories of Officer Turner, his service, or information about the December 1975 stop?