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Incident
Chief Mantoth was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a kidnap-rape suspect. Chief Mantoth and two other officers went to the suspect's home after receiving a warrant on him. As Chief Mantoth followed the man to a room the suspect suddenly dashed for a closet and Chief Mantoth attempted to stop him. The suspect whirled around and opened fire with a .22 caliber pistol, striking Chief Mantoth twice. One of the other officers shot and wounded the suspect. The 22 year-old suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to five years to life July 14, 1969. He was paroled March 18, 1976. On July 24, 1976, he was arrested in Bakersfield, California, after he kidnapped and brutally beat a woman. Chief Mantoth had been Chief of Police for ten years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
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.
Chief of Police Mantoth gave the Tehachapi Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tehachapi community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Mantoth.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tehachapi Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1968, 8 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 40. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 40. 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. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 15.8%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Tehachapi Police Department. 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Tehachapi Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tehachapi Police Department are honored on badge.nw.