Officer Steven Rutherford
Newport News Police Department
Virginia
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 12, 1994

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, January 11, 1994
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Steven Rutherford was shot and killed while working undercover disguised as a pizza delivery person, in anticipation of a robbery.

That night, several juveniles did rob him at gun point. As he was complying to their demands to lay on the ground, his jacket rose up and exposed his gun and one of the juveniles opened fire, striking him twice. Officer Rutherford got up and chased the juveniles approximately 200 yards and collapsed as his partner fired from the delivery vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspects were arrested a short time later.

Officer Rutherford had previously served as an auxiliary officer for 17 months and had served as a full time officer for approximately 6.5 years. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, sister, and brother.