Arlington County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Friday, April 15, 1977
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 15, 1977
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Never apprehended
Police Officer John Buckley was shot and killed while responding to a bank robbery at the intersection of South Glebe Road and Columbia Pike at 3:30 pm.
He was en route home following traffic court when the robbery call was broadcast. He was the first unit on scene and was walking up the steps to the bank lobby when a suspect exited. He was attempting to take the man into custody when a second subject approached him from behind and fatally shot him.
The getaway driver was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison. The subject who shot him was never apprehended.
Officer Buckley had served with the Arlington County Police Department for almost five years. He was survived by his expectant wife.