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Incident
Patrolman Bo Hittson was shot and killed while chasing several suspects into the hills. At 11 pm, police responded to a call for help from a liquor store and bar, which had been the scene of a brawl and robbery where the clerk received a knife wound to the back. Officers witnessed five subjects running from the store and pursued them on State Route 263 to the Rocky Gulch area. Patrolman Hittson was called back on duty to help capture the subjects. Over 20 Yreka police officers, California Highway Patrol Officers, and Siskiyou County Sheriff Deputies attempted to apprehend the subjects when the youths fired at the officers. Patrolman Hittson was struck one time in the chest by a shot from a .22 caliber rifle. More than 100 rounds were exchanged. A California Highway Patrolman was also injured before the five youths surrendered. The shooter was sentenced to death but was acquitted during a retrial. The shooter's sister was sentenced to life. Three others were convicted of second-degree murder. Patrolman Hittson had served with the Yreka Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother, two sisters, and a brother who was a Police Officer in Alaska.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Hittson served with the Yreka Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Yreka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hittson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jesse is the only officer of Yreka Police Department remembered here.
Jesse is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 14 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jesse was 27. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Jesse was 27. 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.
Jesse was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
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 100% of all 1 deaths at Yreka Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 8.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Yreka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.