Detective Gregory Erson was shot and killed during a robbery.

On June 19, 1980, Detective Erson was working an undercover prostitution detail on The Stroll. Detective Erson made six arrests that evening and was continuing the operation when the robbery took place. Other officers found Detective Erson slumped over the steering wheel of his car. His gun, badge, and wallet had been stolen. Two suspects were ultimately convicted of Capital Murder. One of the men was later murdered in prison and the second was sentenced to life in prison.

Detective Erson was commissioned as a Police Officer on 08/07/1972. After his graduation from the police academy, Officer Erson was assigned to the 2nd District, Mobile Reserve Unit, 3rd District, and the Bureau of Investigation with the 3rd District Detective Bureau. Detective Gregory Erson served a total of 7.86 years of distinguished service to the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department. He was survived by his wife and two children. Interred: Resurrection Cemetery, Affton, MO.