Prev
Incident
Officer Robert Wheeler was shot and killed while responding to a silent alarm at Musselman's jewelry store, located at 1615 23rd Street, around noon. The store had been known to send out false alarms in the past. When Officer Wheeler walked into the store, he was shot by two men who were committing a robbery. One of the suspects was arrested in the area shortly after the shooting. He refused to give the name of his accomplice, who was never apprehended. The suspect, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. In 2010 he was denied parole for the 16th time. He still refuses to reveal the identity of his accomplice. He was still in prison in 2015. Officer Wheeler was a United States Marine Corps Korean War veteran and had served with the San Pablo Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnf18ezdj1ebrs6xs9ft- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Wheeler gave the San Pablo Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Pablo community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert Chadwick Wheeler served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of San Pablo Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 16 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 42. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at San Pablo Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Robert Chadwick Wheeler served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert Chadwick Wheeler’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from San Pablo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.