Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Saturday, July 18, 1998
Add to My HeroesThomas Franklin Hamlette, Jr.
Officer Thomas Hamlette was shot and killed while assisting a security guard during a scuffle at a nightclub at 1213 K Street, NW.
Officer Hamlette attempted to remove a rowdy patron from the club when the scuffle ensued. During the scuffle, Officer Hamlette's weapon discharged, catching the attention of another off-duty Metropolitan police officer who was patronizing the club. The second officer tried to intervene in the scuffle and identified himself as a police officer.
Not knowing Officer Hamlette was an officer, too, he ordered him to drop his weapon. Officer Hamlette turned around and was then shot by the other officer.
Officer Hamlette's brother-in-law, Officer Anthony Simms of the Metropolitan Police Department, was killed in 1996 after being struck by a vehicle while making a traffic stop.
Officer Hamlette had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 18 months, assigned to the Third District. He was survived by his mother, father, who retired from the Metropolitan Police Department, and sister, who served with the department at the time.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 1 year, 6 months
- Badge 272
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsOfficer Hamlette,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the Distress of Columbia. And to your and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
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July 18, 2023
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