Patrolman Harry Tiffany and Patrolman Ronald Ebeltoft were shot and killed after responding to a dispute between two neighbors over the placement of a rose bush on Crandell Street.
During the dispute, one of the men assaulted the other. As both officers were standing outside of the suspect's home the man snuck up behind them and opened fire with a rifle, killing them both.
A SWAT sniper later shot and killed the suspect.
Patrolman Tiffany was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the San Diego Police Department for two years. He had previously served with the Port of San Diego Harbor Police. He was survived by his wife.