Officer Robert Joseph Coulter
California Highway Patrol
California
End of Watch: Sunday, November 2, 2003

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: 12941

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Sunday, November 2, 2003
Weapon Used: Officer's shotgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Robert Coulter was accidentally shot and killed while placing his department issued shotgun in the electronic shotgun rack of his patrol car.

The shotgun is normally positioned in a vertical position between the two front seats. It is believed the trigger was depressed when Officer Coulter positioned the shotgun in the lock. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the CHP's Weaverville station.

Officer Coulter's shift started at 0600 hours and another officer discovered his body at approximately 0930 hours.

Officer Coulter had served with the California Highway Patrol for 14 years, and had previously served as a military policeman for 5 years.

He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.