Officer Walter O. Salisbury, San Francisco Police Department, California

Officer Walter O. Salisbury

San Francisco Police Department, California

End of Watch Monday, January 2, 1939

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Walter O. Salisbury

Officer Salisbury was shot and killed attempting to protect a prisoner.

The prisoner had been arrested for stabbing his wife and mother-in-law and was being guarded by Officer Salisbury at a local hospital. The prisoner's brother-in-law pushed his way into the room he was being guarded in and opened fire, killing the prisoner and mortally wounding Officer Salisbury as he tried to protect his prisoner. Officer Salisbury succumbed to his wounds two weeks later.

The suspect was convicted of two counts of second degree murder on April 10, 1939, and sentenced to two terms of five years to life to run concurrently in San Quentin Prison.

Officer Salisbury had been with the agency for 14 years and was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 14 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Friday, December 16, 1938
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to 5 years to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Salisbury,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Francisco. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 2, 2019