Radio Dispatcher

California Highway Patrol

2/14/1979

Special Act Award (Gold)

Thomas A. Northrup was parked outside of a local Bakersfield restaurant when he observed three males approaching the establishment. Suspecting a robbery attempt, Mr. Northrup ran inside the building and attempted to lock the door. The three men forced their way in and pulled out several guns. There were three female employees inside. One gunman announced he would start shooting, starting with the women and ordered the safe opened. When one of the woman started to speak, the gunman fired a shot over their heads. Mr. Northrup knew the woman couldn’t open the safe, but he felt that the gunman would kill them if someone didn’t try. He attempted to open the safe. When he was unable to do so, one of the gunman placed a gun to his forehead. The gunman then lowered the gun and shot Mr. Northrup in the leg before fleeing the scene. The three women were unharmed.