Detective Harold Lee "Sonny" Rogers

Detective Harold Lee
Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana
Detective Harold Lee "Sonny" Rogers

Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Saturday, June 16, 1984

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Harold Lee "Sonny" Rogers

Detective Harold Rogers was shot and killed during a disturbance at the Wagon Wheel Night Club at 3rd and Walnut streets.

Detective Rogers was off duty playing in a band when the suspect brandished a handgun and threatened patrons. Pulling out his own weapon, Detective Rogers instructed everyone to get down and shots were exchanged. Detective Rogers was shot once in the head and killed instantly. The suspect, a six-time convicted felon, was sentenced to 90 years in prison.

Detective Rogers had served with the Terre Haute Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife, sons, daughter and grandchildren.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 21 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to 90 years
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When I was about maybe 11 or 12 years old. I am now 66. When I was about that age I always saw this particular Police Officer on his Motorcycle around Terre Haute. I thought he looked cool with his bald head, then one day I waved at him and he waved back! I found out his name was Officer Rogers. His waved planted a seed of trust and awe for the Police.

When I look back on my life, that wave set the stage for Four years in the Marines and Six years as a ISP State Trooper.
I was in the service when Officer Roger’s was shot and I can still feel the hurt! I didn’t know much about but him at the time, I just knew he waved at a little black kid and spoke to me once and encouraged me to stay of trouble and which I did!

I liked him is how felt as a kid and as a adult I have spoken his name in many my conversations about me growing up in Terre Haute. Now he is Heaven waving and keeping kids out of trouble!

Emerson Allen
Former Indiana State Trooper

July 8, 2021

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