Raleigh Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, July 11, 1997
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 11, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Detective Hale was fatally shot in the head while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect, 20, at an East Lenoir Street apartment building.
Detective Hale and his partner were approaching the suspect's vehicle when the suspect fired a shot, striking Detective Hale. His partner returned fire, wounding the suspect, who was taken into custody.
The suspect was convicted of Detective Hale's murder and sentenced to life in prison. As of June 9, 2023, the suspect, one of North Carolina's most dangerous inmates, remains in a maximum security prison under close watch.
Detective Hale had been with the Raleigh Police Department for 7 years and was promoted five days before his death. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.