Gaston County Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, February 5, 1979
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 4 years, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: February 5, 1979
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: 10 years prison
Patrolman Moose Pendleton was killed when his patrol car was broadside at a high rate of speed by a dangerous felon who was fleeing other officers on U.S. 74 near Lowell.
The suspect was later apprehended. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Patrolman Pendleton had served with the Gaston County Police Department for only three months and had previously served with the Mount Holly Police Department for four years. Patrolman Pendleton was survived by his wife and his parents.