Pilot Mountain Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, June 2, 1966
James Thomas
Patrolman James Thomas was shot and killed with his own service weapon while attempting to place two brothers in holding cells at the Pilot Mountain Police Department. After placing the second brother in a holding cell, he reopened the door to the other holding cell at which point the subject inside attacked him.
Both brothers were charged with murder and released after posting bail.
The two were awaiting trial when on Saturday night, July 30th, 1966, one of the subjects shot and killed a man at a bar and grill ten miles east of Mount Airy. The next day the subject was spotted in his vehicle by a Patrick County, Virginia, sheriff's deputy near Stuart, Virginia. When he stopped the car the man jumped out and ran. When the deputy and several other officers cornered him he committed suicide.
Patrolman Thomas had served with the Pilot Mountain Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsRest in Peace Patrolman James Thomas. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Pilot Mountain, NC.
I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Brothers in Arms. I also Pray that the hounds of hell are gnawing on your murderers bones as they bake in hell!
Amen
Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX
June 3, 2016
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Noel Ramirez
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Police Officer Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018

Police Officer Keith O'Neal Earle
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: April 9, 2018

Corporal Dale Shannon Hallman
Saluda County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: April 6, 2018

Police Officer Phillip Lynn Meacham
Hopkinsville Police Department, KY
EOW: March 29, 2018

Trooper First Class Kevin M. Miller
Connecticut State Police, CT
EOW: March 29, 2018

Special Agent Melissa S. Morrow
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 22, 2018