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Incident
Police Officer Dan Niemi was shot and killed in an ambush attack while investigating a disturbance call on Doolittle Drive.
Officer Niemi responded to Doolittle Drive at 11:00 pm for the second time that day. As Officer Niemi spoke to some of the residents, a man drove up to the scene and engaged Officer Niemi in conversation. Without warning, the man produced a handgun and shot Officer Niemi several times, killing him.
The suspect fled the scene on foot and was apprehended the next day. He was convicted in May 2007 of first-degree murder for Officer Niemi's murder and subsequently sentenced to death.
Officer Niemi had served with the San Leandro Police Department for 3 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Niemi gave the San Leandro Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Leandro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Niemi.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Leandro Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Nels is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Nels is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nels is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2005, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2005, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nels was 42. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Nels had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nels was 42. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Nels had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nels was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nels had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.1% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at San Leandro Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
San Leandro Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Nels among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from San Leandro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
