The words Newhall and tragedy became forever synonymous on April 6th, 1970.

On that day, four young California Highway Patrol Officers lost their lives in a 4 1⁄2 minute gun battle that left four women widows and seven children without fathers. The tremor that rolled through the CHP and law enforcement throughout the nation spoke of grief for their lost comrades, the suffering of their families, of humility imposed by such a catastrophic event, and the iron resolve to prevent a reoccurrence.

In April of 2006, former Senator George Runner authored and championed Senate Concurrent Resolution 93 through the California Legislature designating a portion of the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5), between Rye Canyon Road overcrossing and Magic Mountain Parkway, as the California Highway Patrol Officers James E. Pence, Roger D. Gore, Walter C. Frago, and George M. Alleyn Memorial Highway.

(LA)SAUGUS, Cal., Apr. 6–SCENE WHERE HIGHWAY PATROLMEN WERE SHOT–This early morning view shows the scene near here where four California Highway Patrolmen were shot and killed in a gun battle with two suspects they were going to question about complaints the men were shooting and threatening other people in the restaurant (background) with their guns. (AP Wirephoto).
Editor’s note: one of the suspects had actually brandished a gun at another motorist after sideswiping the motorist’s car on Highway 99 earlier that evening. See the story below.

Two years later, on April 6th, 2008, the California Highway Patrol in conjunction with Caltrans and the support of the local community and law enforcement across the country, forever memorialized the sacrifice of the four fallen officers by dedicating and erecting the Highway Memorial signs with the families of the fallen officers present.

Monday, April 6th, 2015, will mark the 45th Anniversary of the tragedy of the “Newhall Four” and their ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of the Santa Clarita Valley and this State. The lasting impact of this event has made law enforcement worldwide continually renew their focus on officer safety, becoming stronger and more resolute.

For further information, please feel free to contact California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer John Lutz at (661) 294-5540.

WATCH: Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society Presents… The Newhall Incident: A Law Enforcement Tragedy