Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Jerry Hartless succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three weeks earlier during a foot pursuit in the area of Ozark Street and Ocean View Boulevard. He and another officer were on patrol when Patrolman Hartless noticed a wanted gang member standing on a corner. The suspect fled on foot when Patrolman Hartless approached him. As Patrolman Hartless caught up to the suspect the man produced a 9 mm handgun and opened fire, striking him in the forehead. Patrolman Hartless was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the San Diego Police Department for nine months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-5AF55FE3- 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 Hartless 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
Jerry L. Hartless served in the Marine Corps (1982â1983) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Jerry L. Hartless 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. Jerry L. Hartless's cause is highlighted.
How Jerry L. Hartless Compares
Offender Outcome
Case never solved
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jerry L. Hartless is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jerry L. Hartless was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
37 officers from San Diego Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
