Deputy Sheriff Erik Jon Telen

Deputy Sheriff Erik Jon Telen

Fresno County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Tuesday, August 21, 2001

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Erik Jon Telen

Deputy Sheriff Erik Telen was shot and killed investigating a burglary call at a home near Dunlap at approximately 7:00 pm.

Neighbors of the home had called deputies after they were confronted by a suspicious man who threatened them and then walked towards the house. Contact was made with relatives of the home's owner who stated the owners were out of town. When the deputies arrived they located an open window. They entered the house in an attempt to locate the suspect and as they entered a hallway, the heavily armed suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Telen.

The second deputy retreated and called for backup. Responding deputies were able to get Deputy Telen out of the home and transport him to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended after a five-hour standoff.

The suspect was sentenced to life in prison on October 20, 2008.

Deputy Telen had served with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office for 18 months and had previously served three years with the Ontario, California, Police Department. He was survived by his expectant wife and two young daughters. Deputy Telen's son was born on October 1st, 2001, and named after his father.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 4 years, 6 months
  • Badge 7647

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Sentenced to life

burglary

Most Recent Reflection

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RIP Eric, it's been more than a few years; but I remember you from Ontario Police Department. I worked in Records and every single time you brought a GTA report to me to input into CLETS you laughed. The officers you worked with at Ontario called you "Corn Fed." I retired from Ontario in 2011 as a Sr Records Specialist / Reserve Officer and part-time Dispatcher. Believe me, you have never been forgotten!

Donna Price, Senior Police Records Clerk
Ontario Policei department

October 23, 2024

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