Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Charles Bates was shot and killed in an attempted hold-up at the intersection of 16th Street and Shotwell Street shortly before midnight. He had just completed his shift, had changed into civilian clothes, and was walking home when he was approached by a man who attempted to rob him. He was shot once in the chest as he took action to attempt to stop the robbery. He was transported to Central Emergency Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His murder remains unsolved. Officer Bates had served with the San Francisco Police Department for five years and was assigned to the Mission Street Station.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-BC7C148A- 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 Charles. Claim this record.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Bates gave the San Francisco Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Francisco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Bates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Charles H. Bates is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At San Francisco Police Department, 66 of 106 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles H. Bates's cause is highlighted.
How Charles H. Bates Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles H. Bates is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles H. Bates was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
105 officers from San Francisco Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
