New Bern Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, December 25, 2001
Add to My HeroesDonald Miller
Detective Donald Miller was shot and killed while off duty when he confronted a man who was driving recklessly in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center parking lot, in Wilmington.
The detective and his wife were leaving the hospital after visiting their newborn child when he observed the man speeding and weaving in the parking lot. He confronted the man, who suddenly pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking Detective Miller. The gunman then attempted to shoot Detective Miller's wife, but Detective Miller was able to push her out of harm's way.
He then fled through the hospital and was later apprehended. Detective Miller succumbed to the gunshot wound two days later. The killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison December 17, 2014.
The shooter was upset that his grandmother's leg had to be amputated and planned a shooting spree at the hospital.
Detective Miller had been in law enforcement for ten years and had been with the New Bern Police Department for four years. While employed with his first agency, he was at one point assigned to the same hospital where he was shot. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 10 years
- Badge 624
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, December 23, 2001
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 301 ReflectionsShepherds and Police Officers. Just as shepherds were watching over their flocks on the first Christmas, so too were you watching over your flock on Christmas 2001. You kept the faith and as sometimes happens, protection of the flock comes at the price of the shepherd's life. Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". You also were "the good shepherd", Donald Miller. Shepherds and Police Officers - not bad company with whom to be associated. To Donald Miller's family: thanks for sharing him with your community and our profession.
NC Officer
December 25, 2022
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