Incident
Patrolman Ronald Ebeltoft and Patrolman Harry Tiffany were shot and killed after responding to a dispute between two neighbors over the placement of a rose bush on Crandell Street. During the dispute, one of the men assaulted the other. As both officers were standing outside of the suspect's home the man snuck up behind them and opened fire with a rifle, killing them both. A SWAT sniper later shot and killed the suspect. Patrolman Ebeltoft was a U.S. Navy and National Guard veteran.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-2F467556- 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 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.
Patrolman Ebeltoft served with the San Diego Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the San Diego 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
Ronald R. Ebeltoft served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Ronald R. Ebeltoft 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 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 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At San Diego Police Dept., 27 of 38 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald R. Ebeltoft's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald R. Ebeltoft Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald R. Ebeltoft is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald R. Ebeltoft was killed by rifle; semi-automatic.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
37 officers from San Diego Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.















