POLICE HEROISM AWARD
Gary Lindstrom
Officer, San Diego Police Department
On April 8, 2010, Brian Marino and Chantel Lister robbed the Radio Shack store in Pacific Beach. Before leaving, they were confronted by the store manager and an employee, who tried to recover the merchandise. Marino, who had just arrived in San Diego after attempting to commit a murder in Colorado, pointed his handgun at the manager.
Immediately after the robbery, Officer Greg Lindstrom rode into the area on his police motorcycle. Several witnesses who saw the confrontation waved Lindstrom down and pointed out the suspect’s red Mazda as it sped away.
Lindstrom was in close pursuit when he saw Marino lean out of the driver’s side window and begin shooting at him. Lindstrom positioned himself to the right rear of the vehicle for cover and broadcasted that the suspect was shooting at him. He maintained his pursuit distance at 60 to 70 feet as Marino continued to fire his weapon. While Marino ran multiple red lights, Lindstrom realized that no other vehicles or pedestrians were nearby and he had a clear backdrop in front of Marino’s car. Still riding his motorcycle, Lindstrom pulled his service weapon and fired three shots at Marino. Heavy traffic appeared and Lindstrom was forced to holster his weapon. But Marino returned fire, including one shot that hit the motorcycle. Lindstrom felt the bullet fragments splatter and hit the glove on his left hand.
Suddenly, the vehicle stopped in a strip mall and Marino jumped out with the gun in his hand. Lister exited the passenger side and ran. Lindstrom parked his motorcycle, drew his weapon and chased Marino into the mall. Citizens were pointing out Marino’s direction of travel. A police helicopter was now overhead and calling the pursuit, as well as warning Lindstrom that Marino appeared to be lying in wait. As Lindstrom proceeded through the mall, he heard a single shot. He rounded the corner and found the suspect had shot himself in the head and committed suicide. Responding units arrested Lister a short time later.
Throughout this incident, Officer Lindstrom displayed good judgment and great personal courage as he tried to apprehend Marino and Lister. Lindstrom was under imminent threat of death or great bodily injury throughout the incident. His actions in the pursuit of justice for the citizens of San Diego were truly heroic.
