Waverly Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Saturday, April 25, 1998
Add to My HeroesAllen William Gibson, Jr.
Officer Gibson was shot and killed after confronting two male suspects in the midst of a drug deal while on foot patrol in a wooded area behind an apartment complex.
Upon confronting the suspects, a struggle ensued, and Officer Gibson was shot once in the abdomen with his own weapon. The round struck the edge of his bullet-proof vest. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his wound.
One suspect who shot Patrolman Gibson was arrested the following day, and the second suspect was later arrested.
The prosecutor struck a plea bargain with the two suspects, who were originally charged with capital murder, against Patrolman Gibson's family's wishes. On Dec. 8, 1999, the shooter plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. The second suspect plead guilty to acting as an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
In 2002 both suspects were tried in federal courts and convicted of the drug offense that led to Officer Gibson's murder. Both men were sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Officer Gibson had served with the 6-person Waverly Police Department for only 2 months and had a total of 2 years of law enforcement experience. He is survived by his wife and 8-year-old daughter.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 2 years
- Badge 5
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 224 ReflectionsHappy birthday, Babe. I hope Heaven is treating you well because I’m missing you like crazy. I took the day off work and I’m gonna celebrate you on your special day AND Star Wars Day! I wish I could go back in time to that last birthday again. We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant because you said it would double as a Cinco De Mayo celebration since that’s tomorrow. I even remember what you ordered and that big smile on your face. You will forever be 25 even tho I have continued to get older and older. I can’t wait to throw these arms around your neck one day when I get to come see you. I love you as much today as I ever have. Time changes nothing but makes me miss you more and more. I’m so in love with you, my brown-eyed boy. Happy birthday. I hope you’re proud of me and how I choose to celebrate your day. No I won’t be watching Star Wars or even Full Metal Jacket movie. I’m gonna do something WAY BETTER!! Send me a sign like always. Forever my 404 xoxoxo
Laura Gibson, Surviving Spouse
of Ofc. Allen W. Gibson, Jr. EOW: 04/25/98
May 4, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024