Officer Harry S. Van Meter

Harry S. Van Meter

Officer Harry Van Meter was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary while conducting a business check near I Street and Inyo Street.

He had circled around the business and entered an alley when he was surprised by a suspect who shot him four times before fleeing. Officer Van Meter was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The prime suspect in the case, although never brought to justice for Officer Van Meter's murder, was also the prime suspect in the murder of Deputy Sheriff Joe Price of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Officer Van Meter had served with the Fresno Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and child.