Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Eric Zelms was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at 132 Jones Street in San Francisco while on foot patrol at approximately 2:00 a.m. He was surprised by two burglars, who attacked him and were able to gain control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The men then shot him with it and attempted to flee. The subject then encountered two other officers and exchanged shots. One of the men was wounded. Both were apprehended, convicted of the murder, and subsequently sentenced to eight to 10 years. Officer Zelms had served with the San Francisco Police Department for less than one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-DBF050DE- 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.
Officer Zelms served with the San Francisco Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the San Francisco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Zelms.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Eric A. Zelms 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 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. Eric A. Zelms's cause is highlighted.
How Eric A. Zelms Compares
Offender Outcome
Both sentenced 8 - 10 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Eric A. Zelms is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Eric A. Zelms was killed by officer's 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.
