Chino P.D. Police Officer Memorial

Officer Russell M. Miller Sr., a 12-year veteran of the Chino Police Department, died in the line of duty on February 1, 2000.   Officer Miller was involved in a routine traffic stop, and while approaching the stopped vehicle, was struck from behind by a second vehicle, driven by a subject who was under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.  Officer Miller was critically injured, and was transported to a nearby trauma center where he died while undergoing surgery.   The driver of the involved vehicle fled the scene of the collision and was apprehended a short time later after being involved in a second traffic collision. 

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office filed second-degree murder charges against the suspect, as well as charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.  The trial was completed Tuesday 10-3-00, and the jury returned a verdict on Thursday 10-5-00.  The defendant was found guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony hit & run with enhancements.  The jury was deadlocked 9 guilty 3 not guilty, on the second degree murder charge.  The District Attorney decided not to retry the 2nd degree murder charge.  The convicted felon was sentenced on Nov. 30th, 2000 to 15 years in State Prison, the maximum allowed under California State Law.    

Officer Miller, also a navy veteran, was married, and the father of three children.

The Chino Police Association has established a memorial fund for the Miller family. Checks should be made payable to The Russell M. Miller Memorial Fund and mailed to the Chino Police Association, P.O. Box 2557, Chino, CA 91708.  For more information, please e-mail Lt. Al Cheatham at acheatham@chinopd.org

For information on the Run For Russ, held the first Saturday in February, click here.