Carleton J. (Dick) Bruce, 36, Chico police officer, was shot and killed last night at Joe's Tamale Parlor, 118 Main Street.

One hour later officers found the body of Elmer Schutrum, 55, his German assassin, hanging by a belt from a bunk in his cell in the city jail.

The shooting occurred at 7:15 p.m. as Bruce with Officer Tom Jones, burst into the tamale parlor to investigate reports that a stranger was brandishing a .30-30 rifle in the restaurant.

KILLER GIVES POLICE NO WARNING - Without warning, Schutrum, of 924 Pine Street, turned on the officers, felling Bruce with his first bullet. Mark Williams, 50, bartender, and a spectator at the time, and Joe Silva, 61, the proprietor, both jumped the berserk German from the rear undoubtedly saving Jones' life, according to statements taken by Chief of Police C. E. Tovee. Twice more Schutrum fired, the bullets grazing Jones, who answered with a volley of three shots from his pistol. In his anxiety for the safety of Silva and Williams, the officer's shots all missed Schutrum.

SEYDEL STRUCK BY STRAY BULLETS - Dr. Charles Seydel, 24, young dentist was struck by both of the stray bullets as he was getting into his car parked across Main Street in front of the J.C. Penney Company. One entered his right shoulder, lodging under the clavicle and the other struck his left elbow. Unaided, he walked to the office of Dr. J.P. Fabian, a block away, for treatment. His condition last night was improved.

SCHUTRUM BATTLES - Schutrum battled fiercely. Though held by Williams and Silva, he broke from their grasp as Officer Jones attempted to handcuff him, grabbed the officer's pistol. Desperately, however, Jones wrenched the gun from the German, rapped him twice over the head, causing a wide gash in the scalp. According to Desk Sergeant Herbert Forward the gun wielding German had been booked at the police station previously on drunk charges. Charles Facciano, restaurant owner, tentatively identified the body in the cell.

ANGRY MOB FORMS - The shooting attracted hundreds, and an angry crowd gathered outside the police station during investigation of the killing. Spectators dispersed when they learned of Schutrum's suicide. Again at the police station, Schutrum attempted to break for it after wrestling officers and was only subdued when Forward threatened him with a gun. Bruce lived only 10 minutes after the bullet pierced his abdomen. He was rushed to Enloe Hospital by H.C. Bicknell ambulance but died shortly after arrival.

NO STOCK ON GUN - According to statements taken from Silva by Assistant District Attorney P.M. Barceloux, Tovee and Sheriff Herbert Taylor, Schutrum entered the parlor with the gun, which had no stock, wrapped in a heavy coat. "I'm looking for the big man," Silva quoted him as saying. "No beeg (sic) man here," Silva reportedly replied. "I look," replied Schutrum and attempted to push his way into the rear of the establishment where Silva's family was eating dinner.

The coat fell from the weapon, and very much frightened, Mrs. Manuel Silva and Tony Panciano ran into The Record office. Employees notified the police station, and Bruce and Jones answered the call.

Silva told authorities that Williams attempted to pick up the coat and hand it to Schutrum, but that he refused it with the warning: "Do not come near me!"

NO TIME TO DEFEND - It was while the German held Silva and Williams at bay that Bruce strode through the door straight into the withering fire from Schutrum's gun. He had no time to draw his pistol. Bystanders reported that Schutrum had been drinking. Officers said there was a possibility that he might have a marihuana (sic) addict. Sheriff Taylor, Forward and Tovee found the body in the cell at 8:22 p.m. when they went to question Schutrum. The officers called to him and receiving no answer investigated and found the body.

SCUFFLING IN CELL - They estimated that Schutrum could not have been dead more than 10 minutes. Other prisoners reported they heard a scuffling in Schutrum's cell but thought nothing of it. Barceloux said that the man had used his belt and suspenders to fashion a rude loop to hang from the upper bunk. Then by placing his head in the loop and throwing his weight off his feet, he succeeded in the suicide attempt. Sheriff Taylor cut the noose releasing the half nude body.

LIVES HERE LONG - Bruce was born in Davis Creek, Modoc county, but has lived in Chico most of his life. His home was on E. Second Avenue. He leaves a wife, Jessica Bruce, and two sons, Robert and Carleton. Prior to joining the regular police force, December 1, 1935, he worked as a merchant patrolman from April 1, 1932 to June 30, 1934, and then was employed by the Fish and Game Commission.

* Source (Chico Record, Feb. 23, 1938)