Patrolman Fleet Martin Underwood, Dunn Police Department, North Carolina

Patrolman Fleet Martin Underwood

Dunn Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Monday, February 12, 1940

Fleet Martin Underwood

Patrolman Fleet Underwood succumbed to injuries sustained the previous night when he was attacked by a mob.

He and his partner had responded to a disturbance at the Greasy Spoon Cafe. While placing an intoxicated suspect under arrest the crowd surrounded the officers and attacked them. Patrolman Underwood was struck in the back of the head with a blunt object. His partner recovered from minor injuries. Three days after the incident the cafe burned to the ground.

Three men were arrested and charged with murder. Two were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 8 to 12 years in prison. Both were paroled in 1943.

Patrolman Underwood had served with the Dunn Police Department for five years. He was survived by his three children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Incident Date Sunday, February 11, 1940
Weapon Blunt object
Offender Paroled in 1943

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 69th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to the native state of myself and my cherished son Larry Lasater who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 12, 2009