San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, January 31, 1988
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 9 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 9, 1988
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Case never solved
Patrolman Jerry Hartless succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three weeks earlier during a foot pursuit in the area of Ozark Street and Ocean View Boulevard.
He and another officer were on patrol when Patrolman Hartless noticed a wanted gang member standing on a corner. The suspect fled on foot when Patrolman Hartless approached him.
As Patrolman Hartless caught up to the suspect the man produced a 9 mm handgun and opened fire, striking him in the forehead.
Patrolman Hartless was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the San Diego Police Department for nine months. He was survived by his wife.