Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, July 10, 1995
Robert F. Hopton, Jr.
Captain Robert Hopton and Inspector James Rodgers were killed when their plane crashed while assisting deputies on the ground search for two suspects.
The suspects, who were trespassing on a ranch, matched the description of two men wanted for a home invasion and sexual battery in the same area the previous week. The single-engine Piper L-21-A stalled and crashed into trees just north of Lake Istokpoga. The men they were searching for were charged with trespassing and narcotics violations, but were determined not to be connected to the earlier incident.
Captain Hopton had served in law enforcement for 22 years. He is survived by wife, son, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 905
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Related LODD Deaths
Inspector James E. Rodgers
Highlands County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: July 10, 1995
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 Reflections"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
May 7, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Ray Horn
Comal County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 17, 2019
Sergeant Wytasha Carter
Birmingham Police Department, AL
EOW: January 13, 2019
Trooper Christopher Lambert
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: January 12, 2019
Police Officer Natalie Becky Corona
Davis Police Department, CA
EOW: January 10, 2019
Police Officer Clayton Joel Townsend
Salt River Police Department, TR
EOW: January 8, 2019
Police Officer Dale James Woods
Colerain Township Police Department, OH
EOW: January 7, 2019
Master Police Officer Joseph William Shinners
Provo Police Department, UT
EOW: January 5, 2019
Police Officer II Michael Wayne Smith
Henry County Police Department, GA
EOW: December 28, 2018
Corporal Ronil Singh
Newman Police Department, CA
EOW: December 26, 2018