San Francisco Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, January 1, 1970
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 11 months
Badge Number: 1348
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 1, 1970
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Both sentenced 8 - 10 years
Officer Eric Zelms was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at 132 Jones Street in San Francisco while on foot patrol at approximately 2:00 a.m.
He was surprised by two burglars, who attacked him and were able to gain control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The men then shot him with it and attempted to flee.
The subject then encountered two other officers and exchanged shots. One of the men was wounded. Both were apprehended, convicted of the murder, and subsequently sentenced to eight to 10 years.
Officer Zelms had served with the San Francisco Police Department for less than one year. He was survived by his wife and one child.