Patrolman Jerome Victor Haaf

Patrolman Jerome Victor Haaf

Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Friday, September 25, 1992

Add to My Heroes

Jerome Victor Haaf

While working his traffic assignment, thirty-year veteran Officer Jerry Haaf decided to take a coffee break. He went to the Pizza Shack, which was a favorite south-side restaurant that police officers had frequented for many years.

Officer Haaf was seated in the restaurant with several other people. As he read the newspaper, two assailants from the street gang, “Vice Lords,“ came from behind and fired several bullets into his back. The two murderers ran from the restaurant as Officer Haaf lay on the floor, mortally wounded, calling for help on his portable radio. Another patron who had been sitting at the same table was wounded at the same time Officer Haaf was executed.

After the murderers fled, a retired Minneapolis officer and other patrons went to Officer Haaf’s aid. Moments later, police officers arrived and started administering first aid. Officer Haaf was taken to the County Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

A multi-agency investigation into the murder of Officer Jerry Haaf was started. After months of work and hundreds of pages of statements and interviews, the killers were convicted and sent to prison. One subject was sentenced to life, and three others were sentenced to 30 years.

Officer Haaf was a United States Air Force veteran who had served with the Minneapolis Police Department for 30 years and was a few months from retirement. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.

Bio

  • Age 53
  • Tour 30 years
  • Badge 2590
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

ambush, gang member

Most Recent Reflection

View all 40 Reflections

To the family of Officer Haaf,
30 years is a long time but your minds & hearts dart straight line to that day.
My family is from that area. My uncle (Paulie Kuhn) served in the MPD and likely knew Officer Haaf. They both would have been heartbroken and angry to see what the dumb city/state leaders allowed to happen 2.5 years ago. Glad they didn't have to experience that. But we did, and we are no longer silent.
God bless and be with each of you as you remember.

Rev. B. Kuhn
Niece of co-serving officer

October 13, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.