Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch: Monday, June 26, 1978
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 667
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 26, 1978
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Police Officer James Swart was shot and killed by a 15-year-old theft suspect in the booking area of the Hyattsville District Station.
Officer Swart was coming to the aid of Officer Albert Claggett who had just been killed with his own revolver. As Officer Swart entered the room, the suspect shot and killed him as well.
The suspect was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Officer Claggett and not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of Officer Swart. The suspect was sentenced to 25 years. He was paroled in 1995.
In 1997, the suspect and his brother robbed a bank in Aberdeen, Maryland. As police officers approached to arrest the pair, the suspect committed suicide.
Officer Swart had served with the agency for five years. He is survived by his parents and brother.