Patrolman Jerry L. Hartless, San Diego Police Department, California

Patrolman Jerry L. Hartless

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, January 31, 1988

Jerry L. Hartless

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.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 9 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, January 9, 1988
Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
Offender Case never solved

foot pursuit, gang member, warrant service

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Most Recent Reflection

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I knew Jerry and thought about him today for very random reasons. I had a very important day on February 2, 1988 and the news about Jerry weighed heavily with me on that day. I got what I wanted on February 2 but my success that continues to this day as a result is and has always been linked to this incredibly sad event. One of my adopted sons is a police officer, very much cut in the same mold as Jerry, I worry about him every day because he is such a decent and honorable guy like Jerry, almost to a fault if you know what I mean, but in the current world, often disrespected for all the wrong reasons that drive me crazy at my ripe old age of 61. The world today needs people like Jerry, the lack of guys like him is probably why things just don't feel right. I hope I will see him again someday, I'm sure he will greet me with the same firm handshake and overwhelming smile.

Richard Brady, P.E., Chairman and CEO
Richard Brady & Associates

August 23, 2018