Police Officer Randolph E. Brightwell
Howard County Police Department
Maryland
End of Watch: Monday, May 29, 1961

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, May 29, 1961
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Both paroled after 16 years

Officer Randolph Brightwell was shot and killed after stopping a car for having a loud muffler in Ellicott City. Unbeknownst to Officer Brightwell, the two occupants had just committed an armed robbery of a convenience store and had murdered the clerk.

During the traffic stop the two men attacked Officer Brightwell and shot him with his own service weapon. Both men were convicted but where released after serving only 16 years.

Officer Brightwell was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.