DeKalb County Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Thursday, February 7, 1980
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: February 7, 1980
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Robert Hawkins was killed when his patrol vehicle struck a steel power pole while he responded to assist other officers who were pursuing a burglary suspect.
He had turned onto Covington Highway from Memorial Drive when his patrol car struck a muddy spot on the roadway, causing it to go out of control.
The suspect was arrested and over 20 stolen handguns were recovered from the car.
Officer Hawkins had served with the DeKalb County Police Department for just over one year. He was survived by his wife, parents, and sister.