Officer Robert E. Hooper, San Francisco Police Department, California

Officer Robert E. Hooper

San Francisco Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, February 9, 1978

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Robert E. Hooper

Officer Robert Hooper was shot and killed at a home on 48th Avenue, between Kirkham Street and Lawton Street, following a traffic stop and vehicle pursuit.

The suspect fled from the traffic stop in his car, drove to his house, and went inside. As Officer Hooper and another officer attempted to enter the home, the man opened fire, striking both officers.

The suspect, 34, an ex-inmate of Napa State Hospital, was apprehended the next day. He said he could not remember anything because of too much alcohol mixed with drugs. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and recommitted to Napa State Hospital. On December 22, 1983, he was deemed sane and released.

Four years earlier, Officer Hooper had been shot in the chest but was saved by his bullet-resistant vest, which was new to law enforcement at the time.

Officer Hooper had served with the San Francisco Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 14 years
Badge 1107

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .41 caliber
Offender Released in 1983

convicted felon, traffic stop, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Bob (Robert Hooper) was working in my Noise Abatement Unit. His work was more sophisticated than the unit projected. We were involved in many issues. Some were just noise and auto matters. Some were nightclubs and investigation of nightclub activities. Noise Abatement was a great unit.
Robert was special. I've never met such a numerous lovely fellow...his smile lives with me...so many years after a punk took his life.
My most special and continued prayers are still with this special smiling fellow.
God bless Robert Hooper and his family.

Richard Bodisco SFPD Traffic Bureau

September 14, 2024