United States of America
Headstone of Oliver Columbus Grems
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Oliver Columbus Grems

Died April 23, 1955

Oliver Columbus Grems served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Special Agent Oliver Grems was shot and killed in Oakland, California, by two Oakland police officers in a case of mistaken identity.

He was sitting in his vehicle on Southern Pacific Railroad property on Bay Street Circle, near 7th Street, when the two plainclothes officers saw him and approached him to investigate why he was there. Not knowing the two were officers, and believing he was about to be robbed, Special Agent Grems drew his revolver. Not realizing he was an officer too, the two Oakland officers opened fire on him.

Agent Grems was fatally wounded in the exchange of gunfire.

Special Agent Grems was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had previously served with the Denver, Colorado, Police Department for six years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, and two stepchildren.
Media
Oliver Columbus Grems
Oliver Columbus Grems 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department
Special Agent
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 38W · Line 32 cut as OLIVER COLUMBUS GREMS
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtqzfpvgpagypdd76d7p4
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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.

Special Agent Grems gave the Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department 6 years.

Thank you for your service to the San Francisco community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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