Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 18, 1984
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 15, 1984
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Trooper Fred Groves succumbed to his gunshot wound when he was shot after making a traffic stop in Palm Beach County. The stop occurred along the southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike two miles north of Okeechobee Road in West Palm Beach.
As Trooper Groves searched the trunk of the car, he was shot in the neck by a passenger when he discovered a suitcase full of marijuana. He was transported to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wound three days later.
The suspect and the driver were arrested the next day. The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 27, 1987. His accomplice was convicted of third-degree murder and sentenced to seven years.
Trooper Groves had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.