Investigator Mark Reid Tucker
Wake County Sheriff's Office
North Carolina
End of Watch: Thursday, February 12, 2004

Biographical Info
Age: 49
Tour of Duty: 28 years
Badge Number: 236

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 12, 2004
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Investigator Mark Tucker was shot and killed as he investigated shots being fired.

Investigator Tucker observed the suspect firing a shotgun in a field. The suspect, who was on felony probation, thought he was going to be arrested for firearms possession so he shot and killed Investigator Tucker. His body was found next to his unmarked patrol car near the intersection of Holly Springs and Winding Oak Roads. His service weapon was still in its holster.

The suspect fled the scene, but was apprehended two days later after the Sheriff's Office received a tip from a member of the community on a hotline that had been set up.

The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. Two other men were also arrested and charged with helping the suspect hide from police. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The two accomplices were sentenced to 9 months in prison and 36 months of probation.

Investigator Tucker had served with the Wake County Sheriff's Office for 24 years, and had also served with the United States Marshals Service for 4 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, sister, and three brothers.