Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 10, 1978
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: October 10, 1978
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Arrested
Assistant Chief Richard Beecher was struck and killed by a vehicle while manning a roadblock near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Washington Loop Road during the search of an escaped murderer from the Charlotte County Jail.
He had flagged down a truck and stepped up on the running board to speak to the driver. After questioning the driver, he stepped down off the running board and was struck by a passing motorist. Assistant Chief Beecher was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries a few hours later.
The escapee was arrested a short time later.
Assistant Chief Beecher had served with the Punta Gorda Police Department for nine years. He was survived by his wife.