Patrolman Jerry L. Hartless, 24, was mortally wounded on January 9, 1988, during a foot pursuit while on routine patrol in a Southeast San Diego neighborhood. Hartless survived in critical condition for 23 days and died at UCSD Medical Center on January 31, 1988, with a bullet lodged in his brain.

The suspect, identified as Stacy Don Butler, was arrested about two hours after the shooting; Butler had been released from prison 11 days earlier and was described in the report as a known gang member. More than 2,200 people attended Hartless’s funeral, and Police Chief Bill Kolender eulogized him for his dedication, physical fitness, and prior service as a U.S. Marine and high school track star.

Anyone with information about the case or who knew Patrolman Hartless is asked to come forward.