Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Gregory Erson was shot and killed during a robbery attempt as he worked an undercover prostitution detail on The Stroll. Detective Erson had made six arrests that evening and was continuing the operation when the robbery took place. Other officers found Detective Erson slumped over the steering wheel of his car in a vacant parking lot at Whittier Street and Westminster Place. His gun, badge, and wallet had been stolen. Two suspects were ultimately convicted of capital murder. One of the men was later murdered in prison and the second was sentenced to life in prison. Detective Erson was assigned to the Third District Bureau and had been with the agency for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-87C1802A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Erson gave the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Erson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Gregory J. Erson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, 112 of 176 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gregory J. Erson's cause is highlighted.
How Gregory J. Erson Compares
Offender Outcome
Killed in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gregory J. Erson is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gregory J. Erson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
175 officers from St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
