Monroe County Sheriff's Office, New York
End of Watch: Friday, June 23, 1972
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 213
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 21, 1972
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Arrested
Sergeant Robert Skelton was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver.
On the rainy evening of June 21, 1972, Sergeant Robert Skelton, Jr., was on patrol in the Town of Pittsford. At about 8:30 p.m., Sergeant Skelton was southbound on Clover Street when an intoxicated northbound driver crossed into Sergeant Skelton's lane. Although Sergeant Skelton pulled to the right, he could not avoid the oncoming car. He was taken to the hospital, where he died 30 hours later. The other driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition but did survive his injuries. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Sergeant Skelton was a United States Army veteran who served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for ten years and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 1971. He was survived by his expectant wife and 3-year-old son.