Pullman Police Department, Washington
End of Watch Sunday, April 17, 1949
Elbert R. Claar
Officer Claar, Deputy Gilbert Gallagher and Sheriff Levi Parnell of the Whitman County Sheriff's Department, were shot by a suspect after the man fought with another man. Officer Claar had spotted the man at a filling station and attempted to arrest him. As Officer Claar returned to his car to retrieve his nightstick the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking Officer Claar five times.
The suspect then drove to his house and grabbed a rifle with a scope before heading to a nearby hill. Deputy Gallagher responded to the residence and exited his cruiser. As he looked toward the house the suspect shot him in the back and fired at another deputy who was able to get cover. The suspect then moved to another part of the hill near a college campus where he shot and killed a civilian who was looking for him.
Sheriff Parnell and another deputy also responded to the scene and as Sheriff Parnell exited his cruiser he was shot once in the chest by the suspect. The suspect was finally surrounded hiding in bushes by a group of officers and citizens who opened fire, fatally wounding him.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsYour heroism and service is honored today, the 63rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 17, 2012
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