LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 reward Tuesday for information leading to the person who fatally shot a Huntington Park police officer during a break-in at a clothing store more than 50 years ago.
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Officer Robert Keller -- who was just 25 years old at the time and had only been with the Huntington Park Police Department for about a year -- was shot on Oct. 5, 1967, while responding to a silent alarm at the Wonder Shop clothing store in the 6500 block of Pacific Boulevard.
According to police, Keller responded to the store shortly after 11 p.m. in response to the silent alarm. At the store, he met with a security guard, and the pair entered the store. As they searched the premises, a would- be burglar who had entered the store through a skylight jumped out and began shooting, police said.
Police said about 12 shots were exchanged between the suspect and Keller, who was shot in the chest. Keller was able to make his way out of the store and across the street, where he collapsed and died.
The suspect ran from the store, but left behind a trail of blood drops, indicating he had been struck by gunfire as well, police said.
Despite an "intense manhunt," the suspect was never found.
Keller, who previously served in the Navy, left behind a wife and daughter.
In a motion calling for the $20,000 reward, Supervisor Janice Hahn said sheriff's detectives focused on unsolved homicides are continuing to investigate the death "by utilizing the latest scientific methods and technologies."
"LASD investigators believe a reward would bring attention to the case and encourage witnesses that might have seen and/or know the identity of the suspect to come forward," the motion states.
According to Hahn, the Huntington Park Police Department and Rio Hondo Police Academy will be holding a "Colors Run" in honor of Keller on May 1, including a ceremony at Huntington Park City Hall that will be attended by Keller's relatives, including his widow and daughter.
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