05/13/2026
We Remember and Honor LAPD Policeman Oscar J. Bryant, End of Watch (EOW) May 13, 1968, Gunfire
On May 13, 1968, LAPD Policeman Oscar Bryant was taking a report on Western Avenue when he heard a radio call of a robbery in progress at a dress shop just up the street from his location. He saw four men coming out of the dress shop, drew his weapon, and held the four at gunpoint. Next, he motioned to the liquor store owner next to the dress shop and asked her to call the police and request more officers respond. When she returned to her store to make this call, one of the suspects whirled and produced a .38 caliber handgun. He began firing at Bryant, who immediately began shooting back.
One of the suspects fell critically wounded, and the suspect who shot Bryant received a less severe injury to the hand. But one of the rounds fired at Policeman Bryant struck him between the eyes. In addition to the four men Bryant initially detained, a woman and two teenage girls were involved in the robbery. All fled in two cars, but officers arrested six of the seven within an hour and a half after the shooting. Investigators learned the name of the seventh man and arrested him later.
The courts convicted all involved in the robbery on an array of charges. The two girls received sentences to the California Youth Authority. The men and woman received sentences of from five years to life. Eddie Lee Johnson, 25, who shot Bryant, received the longest sentence, 11 years to life for second-degree murder.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Policeman Bryant, 26, joined the LAPD on October 26, 1964. Before being assigned to the University Division, he worked in Central Traffic Investigation and the Jail Division. More than 1,000 peace officers attended his funeral. His mother, Mrs. Mary Bradley, of Daly City, survived him. On September 10, 1969, Bryant was posthumously awarded the LAPD’s Medal of Valor.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Southeast Wave-Star, Venice Evening Vanguard, LAPD
