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Chief of Police Charles H. Roche | Abbottstown / Hamilton Police Department, Pennsylvania
Abbottstown / Hamilton Police Department, Pennsylvania

Chief of Police

Charles H. Roche

Abbottstown / Hamilton Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Saturday, March 5, 1977

Biographical Info

Age: 48
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 1

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: March 5, 1977
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Acquitted on appeal

Chief Roche was killed when he was struck by a drunk driver while working an accident scene on Pine Run Road. He was retrieving flares from the trunk of his unmarked vehicle when the driver struck him. Chief Roche was transported to Hanover Hospital where he died one hour later.

The suspect was found guilty of DUI and involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to a maximum of 23 months. However, his conviction was overturned by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

Chief Roche was survived by his wife and child.