Delaware State Police, Delaware
End of Watch Thursday, April 19, 1962
Add to My HeroesHarold Bruce Rupert
Trooper Rupert was killed in an automobile accident during a pursuit of a car he had attempted to stop for traffic violations.
The chase had just crossed the state line into Pennsylvania when the vehicle Trooper Rupert was a passenger in tried to pass the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle rammed the patrol car, causing it to collide with an oncoming tractor-trailer. Trooper Rupert received fatal injuries in the collision and his partner was seriously injured. The driver of the suspect vehicle later turned himself in after learning of the fatal accident and was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The 22-year-old was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one year in a Pennsylvania prison. He served his sentence and was returned to Delaware where he was convicted of several traffic violations. He was sentenced to 10 years probation, fined $3,400.00, and his license was revoked for 10 years.
Trooper Rupert, a U.S. Marine Corps and Korean War veteran, had served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 1
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to 1 year
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsRest in peace.
J.R.
April 19, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Stanley "Allen" Burdic
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, OR
EOW: March 11, 2021

Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III
Walker County Criminal District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Carlos Antonio Hernandez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 11, 2021

Police Officer David Parde
Lexington Police Department, NC
EOW: April 17, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: April 12, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: April 10, 2021

Sergeant James K. Smith
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: April 9, 2021

Police Officer Brent Nelson Hall
Newton Grove Police Department, NC
EOW: April 3, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 6, 2021