Independence Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Saturday, March 17, 2001
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 32 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 17, 2001
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Officer Terry Foster was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 3600 block of Ralston Avenue.
An elderly couple had called the police to report their grown son was threatening them and acting violently. When officers arrived, the suspect locked himself in an upstairs bedroom. After talking with the suspect, the officers forced the hallway door open and began to check a bedroom when the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Foster in the head and chest several times. Other officers dragged Officer Foster out of the home and held their positions when an explosion ripped through the bedroom, completely engulfing the house. The suspect's body was later found inside.
Officer Foster had served with the Independence Police Department for 32 years and was only three weeks from retirement. He is survived by his wife of one year and several adult children.