Salem Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Sunday, April 5, 1970
Add to My HeroesWilliam Howard Thompson
Patrolman William Thompson was shot and killed by a suspect who had barricaded himself in his house when police tried to serve an arrest warrant.
Patrolman Thompson was just getting off duty when he heard the call come out. He had responded to the address earlier in the evening and decided to lend his assistance as he believed he had developed a rapport with the suspect.
As Patrolman Thompson looked through a window he was struck in the head by a shotgun blast. The suspect, 68, was convicted second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was denied parole in 1976.
Patrolman Thompson had served with the Salem Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two young daughters.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 7 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Setenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsWe remember not only that you died, but you also lived and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. The reality is that we continue to grieve. We have never "gotten over" the loss of you; we've only learned to live with it. If there's any consolation to be felt here, it is that Patrolman Thompson was a hero and HEROES LIVE FOREVER.
REGINA L LAFFERTY
Family
April 5, 2023
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