Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Friday, December 12, 1930
Age: 56
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 12, 1930
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman William Carter was killed when he was intentionally thrown from a vehicle on Dec. 11 while attempting to pursue a whiskey-runner.
He observed the whiskey car driving on 11th Street, SW, and he flagged down the next car to pass by. He jumped on the running board and ordered it to follow the first car.
Unbeknownst to Patrolman Carter, the vehicle was the pilot car for the whiskey car. The driver suddenly swerved and applied the brakes, causing Patrolman Carter to be thrown from the vehicle and strike his head on a curb. He died the next day.
Patrolman Carter was survived by his wife and other family members.