Phillip S. Riley

End of watch — Monday, October 25, 1971

Rank

Policeman

Serial number

14745

Division

Venice

Location

Pacific Ave and Via Marina

Cause of death

Shot by a Grand Theft Auto Suspect

Officer Phillip Riley was shot and killed by a man who grabbed his service revolver following a high speed chase in Venice. He was shot twice in the chest after cornering the suspect on the rocks of the Marina del Rey breakwater. The suspect was arrested after a second high speed pursuit and a shootout in which he was wounded. The suspect was an inmate out on a 72 hour pass to look for a job from the Institution of Men at Chino. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life on May 3, 1973. Officer Riley was survived by his wife.