Corporal James Roy Outlaw

Corporal James Roy Outlaw

Bethel Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, November 20, 1993

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James Roy Outlaw

Corporal James Outlaw was killed when his patrol car struck a tree during a vehicle pursuit on U.S. 13 south of Bethel.

Corporal Outlaw was riding with a trainee when they attempted to stop a suspected DUI driver. The suspect fled, and the officers pursued him. During the pursuit, the vehicle went off of the wet roadway and struck a tree. Corporal Outlaw succumbed to his injuries before he could be extricated from the vehicle. His trainee sustained serious injuries and had to medically retire. The suspect was apprehended in a neighboring jurisdiction but was only charged with traffic violations and was not charged in connection with Corporal Outlaw's death.

Corporal Outlaw was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Bethel Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and child.

As a result of Corporal Outlaw's death, and other high-profile cases, the North Carolina General Assembly later changed the law to make speeding to elude an officer a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

Corporal Outlaw was posthumously recognized by the North Carolina DARE Officer's Association for his work as a DARE officer.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge 602
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Charged with traffic violations

Impaired Driver, vehicle pursuit, weather

Most Recent Reflection

View all 17 Reflections

Cpl. Outlaw,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 20, 2023

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