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

Eric Emiliano Zapata

Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed after responding to reports of a shots fired call on 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 in 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 10 years.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 10 years
Badge 11611

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide

Most Recent Reflection

View all 347 Reflections

Eric:
Seven years have passed since that fateful shift and yet my memories of your dedication to your chosen profession and compassion for your fellow man live on.

Rest EZ, your colleagues have your back.

Captain Jon Uribe (Retired)
Kalamazoo Public Safety

April 18, 2018