Police Officer John Thomas Burnette

Police Officer John Thomas Burnette

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, October 5, 1993

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John Thomas Burnette

Officer John Burnette and Officer Anthony Nobles were shot and killed after a foot chase with a suspect.

The officers had stopped a suspicious van in an apartment complex. The suspect fled on foot into the woods surrounding the complex. When the officers entered the woods, the suspect attacked them and was able to disarm Officer Burnette. He then shot both officers.

The officers were transported to Carolinas Medical Center by responding officers, where both were pronounced dead on arrival.

The 32-year-old suspect was arrested nearby after a brief manhunt involving over 700 officers from various local, state, and federal agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Officer Burnette had served with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for two and a half years. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, and sister.

The city of Charlotte named a park and two streets in honor of Officer Burnette and Officer Nobles.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 2 years, 6 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to death

foot pursuit, suspicious vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Burnette,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Charlotte-Meckenlenburg. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 5, 2023

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