Patrolman Dennis Jerome Roberts

Patrolman Dennis Jerome Roberts

Newport News Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, March 20, 1981

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Dennis Jerome Roberts

Patrolman Roberts was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at a Department Store near the intersection of 29th Street and Washington Avenue. While he attempted to arrest a shoplifter he was shot and killed. The suspect was shot and killed by other officers in the same store almost one year later during a shootout that left an officer seriously wounded.

Patrolman Roberts was a U.S Army veteran of the Vietnam War and served with the Newport News Police Department for less than 11 years

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 10 years, 8 months
  • Badge 104
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, off duty, secondary employment, shoplifting

Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Roberts,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a Medic in Vietnam-God knows how many lives you saved. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 20, 2024

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