Photograph was edited for publication purposes. On January 13, 1966, two gunmen attempted to kidnap Leonard firestone for ransom. The Beverly Hills Police Depatrment was tipped off and officers were waiting for the suspects when they approached the home. Both men were killed. Leonard K. Firestone was born June 10, 1907 in Akron, Ohio. He joined the family business, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, after graduating from college in 1931 and became president of the company's operations in California in 1943. He retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber in 1970. Firestone was active in Republican politics and was appointed U.S. ambassador to Belgium by President Richard Nixon in 1974, serving until 1976. Firestone was involved in many charities, especially those associated with alcohol abuse, and he co-founded the Betty Ford Center in 1982. He died on December 24, 1996. First photograph caption dated January 13, 1966 reads "Two heavily armed gunmen were shot down as they stormed front entrance with drawn guns." A car is parked in front of the house and a man can be seen near the front entrance. The modern home is located at 919 N. Alpine Drive in Beverly Hills.; Second photograph caption dated January 14, 1966 reads "The Firestone mansion, scene of bizarre slaying. Where kidnap suspect and 'informer' were slain in a fusillade of police gunfire."
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
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