St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, December 5, 1986
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 5, 1986
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and wounded
Deputy Sheriff Elmer Harris was shot and killed in front of 4601 State Street, in East St. Louis, while attempting to arrest a man for illegally carrying a weapon.
Deputy Harris and another deputy were working a secondary employment job providing security on a public transit bus. They observed a man with a handgun board the bus and attempted to arrest him. A foot pursuit ensued during which the man shot Deputy Harris. Despite his wounds, Deputy Harris was able to return fire and wounded the subject.
Deputy Harris was survived by his two children.