Officer Robert Lee Timberlake, Jr.

Officer Robert Lee Timberlake, Jr.

United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, January 24, 1979

Robert Lee Timberlake, Jr.

Officer Robert Timberlake was shot and killed with his own service weapon while dealing with a transient in the lobby of the Tampa Federal Building in Tampa, Florida.

The subject had entered an elevator and Officer Timberlake followed him in. While in the elevator a struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of Officer Timberlake's .38 caliber handgun and shot him several times. The subject was severely wounded by other federal agents when the elevator doors opened.

The man was found not guilty by reason of mental incompetence and released.

The Tampa Federal Building was renamed the Timberlake Federal Building in Officer Timberlake's memory.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Florida
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Found incompetent

EDP

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Timberlake yesterday was the anniversary of your line of duty death. No matter how much time passes you are never forgotten. You are a true American Hero. It was ONE of the greatest honors of my life (the greatest honor being a father/husband) safeguarding America's federal buildings before I became a banker. That is something we both knew. I will never forget you. I will be thinking of you at Sunday mass at my home parish of St. Brigid of Kildare South Boston this month.

Former Protective Security Officer (PSO) for Region 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Police, Pete Harrington BostonMA

January 25, 2016