On September 4, 2012, at approximately 8:20 AM, California Highway a Patrol Officer Tyler Carlton performed an extraordinary act of heroism by approaching and fatally wounding the driver of a Jeep Wrangler who had just shot Officer Carlton’s partner. Officer Carlton then rushed to his partner side and courageously attempted to save his life.
Officer Carlton was traveling on interstate 680, south of Rudgear Road, in heavy traffic. He was traveling behind a Jeep Wrangler and was about to initiate an enforcement stop for an observed infraction of the California Vehicle Code. Officer Kenyon Youngstrom was standing along the right shoulder just ahead of Officer Carlton and was clearing a traffic hazard from the lanes. Officer Carlton radioed Officer Youngstrom that he was a preparing and intended to make an enforcement stop.
When Officer Youngstrom observed the Jeep, he directed the driver to pull over to the right shoulder, and the driver complied. As Officer Youngstrom approached the driver’s window to make contact, Officer Carlton pulled in behind and exited his patrol vehicle. After a short conversation with Officer Youngstrom, the driver reached behind the right front seat, pulled out a handgun, and fired one shot at Officer Youngstrom. Officer Youngstrom immediately fell to the ground into the traffic lane.
Officer Carlton observed this attack on his partner and fired several rounds at the driver, while he tactically moved toward his partner. As traffic came to a grinding halt, he vigorously performed CPR in an attempt to save his partner’s life. Officer Carlton continuously offered words of encouragement to help his partner and his fight to live. Officer Youngstrom was eventually transported to John Muir Medical Center and placed on life-support.
On September 5, 2012, Officer Youngstrom succumbed to his injuries. However, due to Officer Carlton’s heroic life-saving efforts, Officer Youngstrom remained alive long enough for his family to gather at his side and say goodbye. His life-saving efforts also allowed Officer Youngstrom’s ultimate wishes of becoming an organ donor to be met. Officer Youngstrom’s tissue and organs were donated to over 100 desperately in need recipients.
The state of California takes great pride in presenting Officer Tyler Carlton the Silver Medal of Valor for his exemplary act of heroism extending above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Information and photo provided by CHP-Contra Costa
Editors Note:
Nancy McFadden, Executive Secretary, presented the award to 52 employees from eight departments:
California Conservation Corps
- Mark Allee
California Highway Patrol
- Joseph Urrea
- Michael Brush II
- Jacob Moniz
- John Banister
- Joseph Heightman
- Tyler Carlton
- Dane Norem
- Adam Garcia
- Wesley Jones
- Steven Lewis
- Angel Arceo
- Michael Burton
Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Gary Combes
- John Ewald
- Doug Huckins
- Kyle Kroll
- Arthur Golden
- Carmelo A. Spada
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
- Joshpae B. White
- Joshua Potter
- Jason Moorhouse
- Joseph Walton
- Elizabeth Marks
- Robert L. Chesnick
- Brian R. Cali
- Jason A. Patterson
- Matthew S. Reischman
Department of Motor Vehicles
- Carrie Jean Stanton
- Nedra Cartwright-May
- Geoffrey L. Holmes
- Kathy Myles-Daniels
- Conrad Rivarde
Department of Parks and Recreation
- Justin S. McHenry
- Evan S. Walter
Department of Transportation
- Victor Guerrero
- Daniel Santacruz
- Gary Hahn
- Jamie Hill
- Christopher J. Harvey
- Stephen T. Elias
- Gregory K. Englund
- Brian Borella
- Joe J. Martinez
- Alberto P. Miramontes
- Jose J. Linares
- Barry Morrison
- Jerry Bachmann
- Johnnie James
- James Murrieta
- David Guerena
Department of Water Resources
- Kevin Mefford
