I-5 Stretch to be Dedicated to Officer Steed

Come to Adele's Cafe Friday afternoon for the dedication of a stretch of the I-5 Freeway to Officer Richard T. Steed, the only San Clemente Police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, who represents San Clemente in Sacramento, introduced the bill, making the I-5 from San Clemente south to San Diego the Richard T. Steed Memorial Highway. She will be present at the event.

Steed, who was a decorated Marine and Vietnam veteran, joined the San Clemente Police force as a reserve officer in 1975 and was hired full-time in 1977, according to the text of the bill.

(At that time, San Clemente had an independent police force. Now the city contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department)

It was in late November in 1978 that Steed responded to a medical call and a man shot him twice without warning or provocation.

Steed died from the gunshots, and a massive manhunt for the suspect ensued. The shooter was locked up in a mental hospital.

RSVP for the Friday event to Katie.Masingale@asm.ca.gov and/or Wayne Eggleston at 949-498-4958.

Light refreshments will be served.