San Francisco Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, January 1, 1970
Add to My HeroesEric A. Zelms
Officer Eric Zelms was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at 132 Jones Street in San Francisco while on foot patrol at approximately 2:00 a.m.
He was surprised by two burglars, who attacked him and were able to gain control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The men then shot him with it and attempted to flee.
The subject then encountered two other officers and exchanged shots. One of the men was wounded. Both were apprehended, convicted of the murder, and subsequently sentenced to eight to 10 years.
Officer Zelms had served with the San Francisco Police Department for less than one year. He was survived by his wife and one child.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour 11 months
- Badge 1348
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Both sentenced 8 - 10 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 40 ReflectionsMy dad, Jim Shannon, was career SFPD. We lived near Douglass Playground and I remember when Eric came to our house to ask my dad questions about joining the Force… We saw Eric near St Philip’s in uniform the day before he was killed on his way to work. He stopped to say hi to my dad. The next day news devastated everyone in the neighborhood. My parents were crushed. RIP ERIC ZELMS
RADM Jim Shannon USN (Ret)
Douglass Playground neighbor
November 27, 2024
