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

Most Recent Reflection

View all 43 Reflections

I was in High School and worked at a dry cleaners in Claremont, San Diego where I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Hartless. I remember Officer Hartless coming in to have his uniforms cleaned and pressed. He was always nice and was never without a smile on his face. He is someone that made and strong impression on me and throughout the last 30+ years I've often thought about him and who did this horrific crime. RIP Office Hartless...

Trisha Heil
Former customer service at Dry Clean 4 Less

May 19, 2018