Officer

California Highway Patrol

2/5/2002

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Highway Patrol Officer John Mattox, on February 5, 2002, performed an act of heroism at risk to his personal safety when he secured the safety of two female citizens from attack by three armed gang members. Officer Mattox, while off duty, observed three male individuals dressed in gang attire stalking two elderly females in a residential area of Los Angeles. Officer Mattox realized the three gang members were seconds away from launching an assault and robbery. Officer Mattox, who was out-numbered, made the courageous decision to intervene. He called out a warning to the ladies and deliberately directed the gang members' attention toward himself. The ladies fled into the safety of their homes and called police. The enraged gang leader charged Officer Mattox, yelling threats and brandishing a semi-automatic 9 mm handgun. Officer Mattox responded to this attack with accurate gunfire from his concealed .40 caliber duty weapon, wounding the suspect. The wounded gang leader and his two accomplices fled on foot, with Officer Mattox in pursuit. Officer Mattox requested back-up and members of the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol responded to the area and began a massive manhunt for the outstanding suspects. The wounded suspect and one accomplice, members of a notorious and violent street gang, were apprehended. A few days later, the remaining suspect was killed in a collision after a high-speed pursuit with police. The safety of the intended victims, and the apprehension of the violent gang members all hinged on the courageous actions of Officer Mattox.