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Police Officer Burton Begay | Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police
Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police

Police Officer

Burton Begay

Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police

End of Watch: Monday, November 17, 1975

Biographical Info

Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 17, 1975
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years

Police Officer Burton Begay was shot and killed after responding to a call involving a man carrying a rifle on a road near the school complex in Tuba City. Officer Begay and another officer responded to the scene and observed the suspect in front of the school. As the officers pulled up, the suspect opened fire killing Officer Begay and wounding the second officer.

The suspect, 26, was apprehended a short time later. On September 26, 1977, he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Officer Begay had served with the Navajo Division of Public Safety for 15 months was assigned to the Dilcon District. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, and five sisters.