Sergeant John Lee Martin
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, November 7, 1988

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, November 4, 1988
Weapon Used: Handgun; .44 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Sergeant Martin was shot at approximately 0300 hours while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked outside of a building. The suspect opened fire with a .44 caliber pistol as he approached the vehicle. Sergeant Martin returned fire, striking the driver's side door several times. He was able to give a description of the suspect and vehicle to backup officers before being transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his wounds three days later.

The suspect's vehicle was found several days later burned beyond recognition except for the bullet holes found in the driver's door. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.

Sergeant Martin had served with the agency for 17 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.