Reserve Lieutenant Jimmie Van Wingate

Reserve Lieutenant Jimmie Van Wingate

Marion County Sheriff's Office, Indiana

End of Watch Sunday, June 14, 1970

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Jimmie Van Wingate

Reserve Lieutenant Jimmie Wingate was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to an armed robbery-in-progress alarm at Preston's Super Market shortly after 10:00 pm.

The suspects had a police scanner set to another agency's frequency and did not hear that officers were en route. As the deputies arrived, three suspects began fleeing and engaged the deputies in gunfire, striking both deputies in the abdomen. Despite being severely wounded, Reserve Lieutenant Wingate was able to wound one suspect while his partner shot and killed another suspect.

Both deputies were taken to General Hospital where Reserve Lieutenant Wingate succumbed to his injuries the next day. The other deputy survived his wounds.

Later, a deputy noticed a man in custody on a different charge, had a fresh injury that appeared to be a gunshot wound. With a court order, the bullet was removed and determined to be a round fired by Reserve Lieutenant Wingate. After he and the other suspect were tried, the case was reversed on appeal as the court held that the evidence was taken illegally and both suspects were set free.

Reserve Lieutenant Wingate had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department for over 1½ years. He is survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 1 year, 7 months
  • Badge 108

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, June 13, 1970
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 28 Reflections

Lieutenant Wingate,

Your wife stopped me today. She handed me a bag of candy and a small cross. It was a small cross, but the weight it carried was massive. She stated she had prayed over it and asked if we could pray together. You have an incredible wife and this really meant something for me today. It was extremely kind and I hope pay it forward. The cross will stay with me in my department vehicle until I retire.

Sgt J Bruce Wright
Lawrence IN PD

February 20, 2023

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