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Police Officer Steven Robert Rutherford | Newport News Police Department, Virginia
Newport News Police Department, Virginia

Police Officer

Steven Robert Rutherford

Newport News Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch: Wednesday, January 12, 1994

Biographical Info

Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 11, 1994
Weapon Used: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect Info: Not available

Police Officer Steven Rutherford was shot and killed while working undercover disguised as a pizza delivery person in anticipation of a robbery.

That night, several juveniles robbed him at gun point at a condo complex on Thorncliff Drive. As he was complying with their demands to lay on the ground, his jacket rose up and exposed his gun and one of the juveniles opened fire, striking him twice. Officer Rutherford got up and chased the juveniles approximately 200 yards before he collapsed as his partner fired from the delivery vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspects were arrested a short time later.

Officer Rutherford was a U.S Navy Reserves veteran and had previously served as an auxiliary officer for 17 months and had served as a full time officer for approximately 6-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, sister, and brother.