Captain Michael Wayne Tracy, a 28-year veteran of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, was killed on February 14, 1994. He was attending a department staff training seminar at a Holiday Inn in Torrance when a gunman burst into the conference room, announced a robbery, and opened fire. Tracy was shot while attempting to assist Sergeant Tom Vanderpool, who had lunged at the attacker; both officers later died of their wounds.

The assailant, identified as David Joseph Fukuto, wore a bulletproof vest, shot Vanderpool, and was subdued by other officers but died during the struggle after choking on his vest. Investigators reported Fukuto had a history of mental health issues; whether the attack was a robbery or a targeted act against law enforcement remained unclear. The community held large funeral services honoring Tracy and Vanderpool.

If anyone attended that seminar or has information about the events that day, please share what was seen or heard.