Patrolman Harold Bechtelheimer
Colorado State Patrol
Colorado

End of Watch: Wednesday, September 14, 1949
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Bechtelheimer was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding on Highway 85-87 near Colorado Springs. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Bechtelheimer, the two occupants had stolen the vehicle earlier in the evening and had robbed a nearby liquor store. Before Patrolman Bechtelheimer caught up to them the men had stopped due to a mechanical problem with the vehicle.

One of the suspects was looking underneath the front of the vehicle when Patrolman Bechtelheimer approached and was not observed by Patrolman Bechtelheimer. As he spoke with the driver the second man snuck around the vehicle and stuck a pistol in Patrolman Bechtelheimer's back. Patrolman Bechtelheimer spun around and struck the man with his flashlight before being shot in the chest. Both men were later apprehended and sentenced to life.

Patrolman Bechtelheimer had been with the agency for just over four years.

 
Photograph: Patrolman Harold Bechtelheimer

Patch image: Colorado State Patrol, Colorado

Visit Patrolman Bechtelheimer's memorial at www.ODMP.org