There’s nothing routine in law enforcement: certainly not a routine traffic stop.
45 years ago, CHP Officer Felio made such a routine stop in Smith River, September 7, 1980. It was the last stop Officer 49 year old Felio would ever make.
A witness testified he heard a brief between Officer and the suspect before he heard gunshots. The suspect shot the 18 year veteran office twice before taking his service revolver.
The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to death. He committed suicide by hanging himself in his jail cell.
He is survived by his wife, four daughters and three grandchildren.
Let’s take a moment to remember CHP Officer Ernest R. Felio5, and his service and not forget there is nothing routine in law enforcement.
CHP Officer Ernest R. Felio (End of Watch, September 7, 1980.