San Bernardino Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, October 14, 2000
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: October 14, 2000
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Gerald Silvestri was killed in an accident while responding to assist other officers with a high risk vehicle stop. During the response, Officer Silvestri lost control of the patrol car and struck a tree. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The high risk vehicle stop was initiated as the result of a false report stemming from a domestic dispute. The female caller claimed that the vehicle had been stolen at gunpoint. The subject was arrested and charged with making a false report.
Officer Silvestri had been in law enforcement for 6 years, and had been employed with the San Bernardino Police Department for 3 years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and 5-year-old daughter.