Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 26, 1968
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 1230
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 26, 1968
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer Gerhart was shot and killed after arresting a suspect for littering on West Loop Freeway near Interstate-10. Officer Bobby James was killed when the suspect forced his cruiser off the road during the ensuing chase. Officer Gerhart had stopped the suspect after observing the man and a woman throwing bottles from their car. He placed the suspect in his cruiser and returned to the vehicle to talk to the woman. The man suddenly ran back to the car and retrieved a handgun from under the seat and opened fire as Officer Gerhart drew his weapon. The suspect then stole Officer Gerhart's weapon and fled the scene.
Several officers began chasing the suspect after locating the vehicle. During the pursuit, the suspect fired at the officers before forcing Officer James' cruiser off the road. The suspect fled on foot but was shot and killed in an ensuing shootout.
Officer Gerhart was a U.S Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Houston Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.