Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Russ Kuster
- Rank: Detective
- Serial Number: 12884
- Division: Hollywood
- Location: 3365 Barham Blvd
- Date Killed: Tuesday, October 9, 1990
- Cause of Death: Shot by an Assault with a Deadly Weapon suspect
Rememberance
Detective Kuster was shot and killed as he attempted to stop a man who was waving a handgun in a restaurant. The suspect had gotten into an argument wit the owner and left. The suspect re-entered the bar with a 9-mm handgun and started waving it in the air. Detective Kuster, who was off duty and in the restaurant, tried to talk the man into putting the gun down, but the man instead opened fire, striking him in the chest and knees. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Kuster was able to return fire and killed the suspect.
Detective Kuster had been with the Department for 24.5 years and was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.
Heroism. Valor. In memoriam.
Every day, the members of the LAPD put their lives on the line. We remember and honor the officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty who have lost their lives while serving the people of the City of Los Angeles.