Abbottstown / Hamilton Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Saturday, March 5, 1977
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 1
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.