Patrolman Dennis Jerome Roberts

Patrolman Dennis Jerome Roberts

Newport News Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, March 20, 1981

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Dennis Jerome Roberts

Patrolman Roberts was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at a Department Store near the intersection of 29th Street and Washington Avenue. While he attempted to arrest a shoplifter he was shot and killed. The suspect was shot and killed by other officers in the same store almost one year later during a shootout that left an officer seriously wounded.

Patrolman Roberts was a U.S Army veteran of the Vietnam War and served with the Newport News Police Department for less than 11 years

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 10 years, 8 months
  • Badge 104
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, off duty, secondary employment, shoplifting

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service, military as well as police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

March 20, 2021

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