Officer Gerald Jaeger was struck and killed by a vehicle while preparing to direct traffic in front of a drive-in movie theater.

Officer Jaeger and another officer were setting up a portable caution light in front of the Air-Way Drive In Theatre at 10634 St. Charles Rock Road at 12:20 am in preparation for directing traffic at the end of that evening's show. A westbound sports car traveling at 65 miles per hour swerved into the eastbound lane of traffic striking both officers carrying them 90 feet before they were thrown to the pavement. Officer Jaeger sustained a skull fracture and numerous internal injuries. Officer Walter Rogers, 39, also sustained serious injuries in the accident and was projected to have to remain in the hospital for at least four months to recover. The driver was determined to have been drinking at a Bridgeton tavern earlier. The bloodstained car was discovered in front of his residence. The suspect, Edwin F. Zerban, was arrested by the Highway Patrol in Winfield, 45 miles north of St. Louis. He was sentenced to 7 years in the penitentiary.

Officer Jaeger was survived by his wife, Alice and three children. Interred: Bellerive Heritage Gardens, Creve Couer, MO.