United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, January 24, 1979
Add to My HeroesRobert Lee Timberlake, Jr.
Officer Robert Timberlake was shot and killed with his own service weapon while dealing with a transient in the lobby of the Tampa Federal Building at 500 East Zach Street in Tampa, Florida.
The subject had entered an elevator, and Officer Timberlake followed him at 9:45 a.m. While in the elevator, a struggle ensued, and the suspect gained control of Officer Timberlake's .38 caliber handgun and shot him several times. The subject was severely wounded by other federal agents when the elevator doors opened.
The man was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the state mental hospital in Chattahoochee until he was ruled competent enough to stand trial, which occurred in 1980. He received prison sentences of 20 years for each attempted murder and 5 years for each assault, to be served concurrently with his time in the hospital.
Officer Timberlake was a United States Army veteran who had served with the United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service for eight years and previously served with the Akron (Ohio) Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and mother.
The Tampa Federal Building was renamed the Timberlake Federal Building in Officer Timberlake's memory.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 8 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Florida
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Found incompetent
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsOfficer Timberlake,
On today, the 46th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 24, 2025
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