Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan

Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan

End of Watch Monday, April 18, 2011

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Eric Emiliano Zapata

Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed after responding to reports of shots fired call in the 1400 block of Hays Park Avenue.

Another officer had also responded to the call and approached a man standing on a porch. As the officer asked the man if he had heard any shots, the man suddenly pulled out a gun and exchanged shots with the officer.

The subject then ran between two houses, where he confronted Officer Zapata. More shots were exchanged, and Officer Zapata was struck in the head and chest. The man then committed suicide.

Officer Zapata had served with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for ten years. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, his mother, father, sister, brother, and fiancé.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 10 years
Badge 11611

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; SKS
Offender Committed suicide

shots fired call

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Most Recent Reflection

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In a few days, it will be 14 yrs since you were taken from your family and the rest of us! I can still hear the XO's voice on the phone as he told me you were gone. Not a day goes by that you're not thought of by many people. Keep watching over your family, especially your son and the rest of the Department.

We miss you, EZ!!

Executive Lieutenant Mike Treu (Retired)
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety

April 14, 2025