Private First Class Dennis Elisha LaPage
Charleston Police Department
South Carolina
End of Watch: Saturday, January 19, 2002

Biographical Info
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 19, 2002
Weapon Used: Handgun; .40 caliber
Suspect Info: Apprehended

PFC Dennis LaPage was shot and killed by a suspect who went on a shooting spree following a three car accident he was involved in at Cannon Street and Courenay Drive.

The accident occurred in front of a hospital helicopter landing pad. Two flight medics who were eating at a nearby restaurant witnessed the accident and ran to the scene to offer assistance. As they checked the victims, the suspect reached back into his car and retrieved a handgun. He then opened fire striking both flight medics, killing one.

The suspect then fled the scene and encountered PFC LaPage, who was working a uniformed off-duty security job at a private college dorm. Thinking PFC LaPage was searching for him, the suspect immediately opened fire, striking him in the head, back, and elbow. PFC LaPage was wearing a protective vest at the time.

PFC LaPage had been employed with the Charleston Police Department for seven years, and is survived by his wife and two step-children.