Rich Square Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Sunday, July 16, 2000
Age: 61
Tour of Duty: 30 years
Badge Number: 435
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 16, 2000
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Chief Joseph White was shot and killed while investigating a possible gas drive-off at a local gas station. He was shot after stopping a vehicle wanted in connection with the incident around 4 pm.
A suspect, 26, was arrested on May 1, 2003, in Louisiana. On September 12, 2005, the subject was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief White was in the United States Navy for 20 years and in law enforcement for 20 years. His last 18 months was with the Rich Square Police Department. Chief White is survived by his wife, several grown children, and several grandchildren.