Patrolman Albert Matthies observed a parked car, without lights, on a side street in Arcadia on the evening of July 18, 1927. He left his partner in the patrol car and approached the vehicle. As he neared it, one of the occupants opened fire and Matthies fell, mortally wounded beside the car. As it sped away, five more gunshots were directed at the patrol car, injuring policeman Leo Bertolina. In time, the men were found, convicted of murder and sentenced to prison.
Matthies was the first and only Arcadia policeman killed in the line of duty in the city of Arcadia. He was a veteran of World War I, was stationed at Ross Field and discharged there. He had been with the department for seven years, and left a wife and two small children.
On July 19, 2007, a dedication was held on Northview and Foothill Blvd. near where Matthies was killed. A permanent plaque memorial has been placed there and Northview has been sub-named, “Officer Albert Matthies Way.
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Arcadia Historical Society