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Patrolman Thomas C. Whitelock | Riverton Police Department, New Jersey Riverton Police Department, New Jersey

Patrolman

Thomas C. Whitelock

Riverton Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch: Wednesday, January 14, 1976

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 30

Tour: 7 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 1/14/1976

Weapon: Officer's handgun

Suspect: Shot and killed

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Patrolman Whitelock responded to a second floor apartment in Riverton to investigate the report of a naked suicidal man with a knife that was attempting to cut this throat. Patrolman Whitelock arrived on location and requested back up. A Palmyra Boro police officer was off-duty and responed in his own personal vehicle to back up Patrolman Whitelock. Once both officers were on location they were met in the living room by the naked suspect holding a knife, he had cut his penis and was attempting to slit his throat. The blood covered suspect ran down the back fire escape of the residence and was tackled by both Officers.
Patrolman Whitelock managed to get one handcuff on the suspect, at this point the suspect ripped Patrolman Whitelock's .357 Colt Python from it's holster and shot the other officer once in the chest. The suspect then shot Patrolman Whitelock in the chest killing him. Patrolman Norcross then discharged his Colt .45 Caliber semi-automatic hitting the suspect all seven times point blank in the chest killing him.
Over 2000 Officers attended Patrolman Whitelock's funeral, they walked over two miles from the funeral home to the cemetery in a heavy snow storm to pay their respects. Patrolman Whitelock was the first Riverton Police Officer killed in the line of duty.

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory wili always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Your brother in blue who wrote so movingly about the night of your murder is proof of how vivid the details stay with those who were involved.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 14, 2012

 

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