Governor Newsom Statement on Death of San Diego Police Officer

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the death of San Diego Police Department Officer Daniel Gene “Dan” Walters:

 

“Jennifer and I were saddened to hear of the death of Officer Walters from injuries sustained in the line of duty in 2003. Unfortunately, Officer Walters’ life embodied the kind of tragic turn that our law enforcement officers know they may face.”

 

On November 12, 2003, during an officer-involved shooting, Officer Walters was shot in the neck by the suspect and then hit by a passing vehicle. His injures left him paralyzed. On April 23, 2020, Officer Walters died from complications of his injuries. He was 53 years old. He is survived by his father, Bert Walters.

 

Before joining the San Diego Police Department in 1998, Officer Walters was a professional baseball player, playing catcher for Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres.

 

In honor of Officer Walters, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.