Patrolman Michael D. Avila, 37, was killed on November 15, 1981, in Parlier, California, while responding to a call at a local bar about two men reported to be armed with guns. Avila, an eight-year member of the Parlier Police Department, and his partner tried to disarm one of the suspects. A second suspect opened fire during the confrontation, fatally wounding Avila. Avila’s partner was also shot and injured but returned fire and killed the shooter at the scene.

Avila left behind a wife and four daughters. The shooting prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances and generated an outpouring of grief and support from the community and law enforcement in the region. The shooter was dead at the scene, so there was no subsequent criminal trial.

Did anyone in Parlier at the time have details about the response or the bar where this happened that could add context to the timeline?