Police Officer Peter F. McElligott, San Francisco Police Department, California

Police Officer Peter F. McElligott

San Francisco Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 19, 1968

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Peter F. McElligott

Officer Peter McElligott was shot and killed in a gun battle with two robbery suspects in Golden Gate Park.

Officer McElligott and his partner spotted the suspects, who were wanted for two gas station robberies, in their car. The suspects, upon seeing the officers, made a U-turn and sped off with Officer McElligott and his partner in pursuit. When the suspect’s vehicle stopped the officers approached it and both suspects opened fire.

Officer McElligott was killed instantly and his partner was shot several times. Despite the wounds, his partner was able to return fire causing the suspects to crash their car into a tree. Both suspects were arrested shortly after by responding officers. Both were convicted of first-degree murder. One suspect was paroled in 1977 but was sent back to prison in 1979 for a parole violation. The second suspect was paroled in 1987.

Officer McElligott was survived by his wife of four months.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Both apprehended

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Pete and I were room mates in the late 60s up on Gough and Geary prior to his joining SFPD. The chronology is a little fuzzy now but I remember returning from Vietnam and attending Pete’s funeral. He was a great man and definitely an important part of my life way back then. I miss him big time—some times more so than others. May he always rest with angels in peace.

Pete Kump Capt USMC 1/4
Room mate, fellow janitor SFUSD

May 25, 2021