United States of America
Headstone of Javier Bejar
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Javier Bejar

Died March 1, 2010

Javier Bejar served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm

Gunfire

What Happened

Police Officer Javier Bejar died from a gunshot wound sustained four days earlier when he responded to assist at the scene after Deputy Sheriff Joel Wahlenmaier was shot and killed.

Deputy Wahlenmaier, of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with members of the California Fire Marshal's Office and several other deputies went to serve a warrant on a suspected arsonist in Minkler, California. When they arrived, the suspect opened fire killing Deputy Wahlenmaier and wounding another deputy.

Officer Bejar responded to the officer down call. Approximately thirty minutes after the initial shooting, the suspect opened fire again with a high-powered rifle, outfitted with a scope. He shot and critically wounded Officer Bejar, who was using his patrol car as cover, from a range of approximately 80 yards.

Officer Bejar was taken to Community Medical Center where he died from his wound days later.

The suspect was found dead inside the home after a standoff that lasted several hours.

Officer Bejar had served with the Reedley Police Department for five years and had served with the department as an Explorer when he was a teenager. Officer Bejar was also a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served with the United States Marine Corps.

Deputy Wahlenmaier, of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with members of the California Fire Marshal's Office and several other deputies went to serve a warrant on a suspected arsonist in Minkler, California. When they arrived, the suspect opened fire killing Deputy Wahlenmaier and wounding another deputy.

Officer Bejar had served with the Reedley Police Department for five years and had served with the department as an Explorer when he was a teenager. Officer Bejar was also a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served with the United States Marine Corps.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, mother, and brother.
Media
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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Reedley Police Department
Police Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 13-E · Line 27 cut as JAVIER BEJAR
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Police Officer Bejar gave the Reedley Police Department 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Reedley community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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