Lieutenant Herbert Berkeley Stovall Jr., a dedicated officer with the Peralta Community College District Police Department, tragically lost his life on August 16, 1995, in Peralta, California. At the age of 64, just six weeks shy of his retirement, Lieutenant Stovall responded to an officer assistance call involving an auto theft suspect. The suspect had been chased into an estuary separating the Laney College campus from the football field.
Lieutenant Stovall, who was in his office at the time, quickly responded to the scene and ordered the suspect out of the water at gunpoint. However, as the suspect approached, a struggle ensued, and both men fell into the water. During the altercation, the suspect managed to gain control of Lieutenant Stovall's weapon and shot him underwater, a shot that went unheard due to the circumstances.
The suspect, identified as Gerald Collier, was apprehended and charged with the murder of Lieutenant Stovall. Collier, who had been fleeing from another officer after being caught breaking into a vehicle, attempted to use an insanity defense during his trial. The case drew significant attention, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers even in seemingly routine situations. Lieutenant Stovall's death was a profound loss to the community and his colleagues, who remembered him as a dedicated officer and a beloved family man.
Lieutenant Stovall's funeral was attended by numerous officers from across the state, with police helicopters flying the missing man formation in his honor. The service was a poignant reminder of his decades of service, both in the United States Air Force and with the Peralta Community College District Police Department. His family, including his wife, son, two daughters, brother, and three grandchildren, were left to mourn his untimely death. The community and his fellow officers remembered him for his commitment to public safety and his positive impact on those around him.
The investigation into Lieutenant Stovall's death underscored the risks inherent in law enforcement. Despite the suspect's attempt to plead insanity, the case proceeded with a focus on the tragic loss of a respected officer. Lieutenant Stovall's legacy continues to be honored by those who knew him, and his sacrifice remains a stark reminder of the perils faced by police officers in the line of duty.
