Officer Robert Joseph Coulter

Robert Joseph Coulter

Officer Robert Coulter was accidentally shot and killed while placing his department issued shotgun in the electronic shotgun rack of his patrol car.

The shotgun is normally positioned in a vertical position between the two front seats. It is believed the trigger was depressed when Officer Coulter positioned the shotgun in the lock. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the CHP's Weaverville station.

Officer Coulter's shift started at 6:00 am and another officer discovered his body at approximately 9:30 am.

Officer Coulter had served with the California Highway Patrol for 14 years, and had previously served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army for five years.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and two sisters.