California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 27, 1974
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 5554
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: February 21, 1974
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 1 year
Officer Gerald Harris succumbed to injuries received when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic at Brundage Lane and Oak Street in Bakersfield.
The passenger of the suspect vehicle pushed Officer Harris off of the hood before the suspects fled the scene. The subject was apprehended and sentenced to one year in jail.
Officer Harris was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for seven years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.