National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 40-E: 8

Department: Detroit, Michigan, P.D.

End of Watch: December 14, 1951

Cause: SHOT

Age: 27

Years of Service: 4

Description: Officer Jerlecki and Officer Harry Ross were on routine patrol when they were alerted to the sound of breaking glass. Two suspects had robbed a local jewelry store were fleeing the scene. Immediately, Officer Ross exited the Patrol car and began foot pursuit of one of the suspects. Officer Jerlecki followed the second suspect in the patrol car and began foot pursuit when the suspect ran into a alley. Officer Jerlecki was shot by the suspect in the head. He was able to return fire and fatally wound the suspect. Officer Ross arrived on the scene and killed the suspect. Officer Jerlecki was pronounced dead upon arrival at the local hospital. One suspect William Brown, shot by Officer Jerlecki was also pronounced dead. The second suspect was later apphrended and taken into custody. Both suspects had extensive criminal records, and were out on bond.