OCEANSIDE -- The Police Department will honor one of its own, Lt. Shawn Murray, with a Medal of Valor at tonight's City Council meeting.
Murray, a 13-year veteran, put himself in the line of fire between police officers and a man who was shooting at them during a foot chase on Arthur Avenue on April 28, 2001.
Murray shot Matthew Martin, 24, in the face and captured him. Martin, a parolee, was sent back to state prison.
Police said Martin had shot at Officers Sam Samoa and Dan Warren and Murray's partner at the time, Cpl. Dave Larson, who escaped serious injury when a notebook in his pocket deflected a bullet.
The other officers will receive written commendation letters from Police Chief Michael Poehlman.
A board of Police Department employees selected the Medal of Valor winner.
