Police Officer James N. Whittington

Police Officer James N. Whittington

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Saturday, October 30, 1982

Add to My Heroes

James N. Whittington

Police Officer James Whittington was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest an armed suspect while off-duty.

Officer Whittington was off duty and getting a hair cut inside a barber shop when he was informed that there was a man with a gun outside having an argument with a woman. Officer Whittington exited the barber shop and attempted to apprehend the subject. When the man fled, Officer Whittington chased him in his car and caught up with him in front of a New York City Housing Development on Dumont Avenue in Brooklyn.

When Officer Whittington attempted to take the man into custody, there was a struggle during which the man was able to gain control of Officer Whittington's weapon. The subject fired five shots, fatally wounding Officer Whittington, then fled across the street. He was later apprehended.

On January 5, 1984, the suspect, 24, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 to 25 years. In an unrelated case he was sentenced to 20 years to life for the attempted murder of a Queens detective on August 3, 1982. He had a long criminal record. Most of his convictions were for resisting arrest. The judge referred to him as a very violent and dangerous man. He has a parole hearing in December of 2022.

Officer Whittington was survived by his wife and two children. He was assigned to the Brooklyn North Field Internal Affairs Unit.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 8002

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Convicted of manslaughter

Most Recent Reflection

View all 40 Reflections

On this actual anniversary of your heroic and untimely death, I will reiterate what I said in a previous reflection I left you a few months ago. Your selfless actions that day are the true definition of heroism and you will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always and God Bless your family, your friends and all the men and women of the NYPD.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 30, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.