Bio & Incident Details
Age: 36
Tour: 12 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 10/5/1970
Weapon: Shotgun; 410 gauge
Suspect: Sentenced to life
· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial
Share this memorial:
Trooper Swartz was shot and killed while attempting to serve three warrants to a man at the man's home at Buffalo Creek, West Virginia. The suspect opened fire on Trooper Swartz with a 410 gauge shotgun. Despite being wounded, Trooper Swartz was able to make it back to his patrol car and radio for help. However, he succumbed to the wounds by the time an ambulance arrived.
The suspect was charged with several crimes, including first degree murder. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison March 24, 1971.
He had served with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and three daughters.
