Stantonsburg Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, September 19, 1966
Age: 62
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 19, 1966
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1983
Chief of Police David Reasons was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at a home one block from the town hall.
As Chief Reasons and another officer entered the home they were confronted by the husband, who was armed with a .22 caliber pistol. As the officers backed out of the home Chief Reasons slammed the door on the suspect's arm. The suspect then fired four shots, striking Chief Reasons in the chest three times, killing him.
The other officer, who was armed only with a nightstick, grabbed Chief Reasons' revolver from its holster and returned fire, wounding the suspect. The man was convicted of murdering Chief Reasons and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on July 5th, 1983.
Chief Reasons had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.