Police Officer William Slappey

Police Officer William Slappey | Detroit Police Department, Michigan
Detroit Police Department, Michigan
Police Officer William Slappey

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Wednesday, March 11, 1970

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William Slappey

Police Officer William Slappey was shot and killed, and another officer was wounded, as he and several other officers exchanged gunfire with a man.

The officers had entered an area of an apartment building known to be a narcotics trafficking area searching for stolen property. The suspect said he opened fire on the officers, who were in plainclothes because he thought they were going to rob him.

On Dec. 10, 1970 the suspect was acquitted when another officer admitted in court that the bullet that killed Officer Slappey may have come from his gun.

Officer Slappey was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 1554
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Acquitted

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Officer Slappey,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death 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 USMC-especially in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 11, 2020

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