By Police1 Staff
STOCKTON, Calif. — A retired California Highway Patrol officer died after suffering a heart attack while protecting a friend from an intruder.
Joe L. Elsey, 87, was visiting a friend Saturday when a “maintenance” man came to the door claiming there was a problem with the outside light, KCRA reported.
The 30-year-old suspect was allowed into the home, and attacked Elsey’s friend in an attempted robbery, investigators told the news station.
Elsey used his police training to fend off the intruder, but suffered a fatal heart attack during the struggle.
The suspect fled, and Elsey’s friend was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
It’s unclear if the suspect stole anything from the home. Police are asking for the public’s help in finding him. They released video Feb. 22 of the suspect on their Facebook.
Elsey graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in March 1957, KCRA reported. He began his career in Crescent City in May 1957. He retired from the force on Sept. 3, 1986 and is survived by his son, retired Deputy Joe Elsey Jr.
https://www.facebook.com/stocktonpolicedepartment/videos/1222709361158319/