Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, September 18, 1984
Add to My HeroesFrederick J. Groves, Jr.
Trooper Fred Groves succumbed to his gunshot wound when he was shot after making a traffic stop in Palm Beach County. The stop occurred along the southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike two miles north of Okeechobee Road in West Palm Beach.
As Trooper Frederick searched the trunk of the car, he was shot in the neck by a passenger when he discovered a suitcase full of marijuana. He was transported to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wound three days later.
The suspect and the driver were arrested the next day. The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 27, 1987. His accomplice was convicted of third-degree murder and sentenced to seven years.
Trooper Groves had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 14 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Saturday, September 15, 1984
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 39 ReflectionsHow I met Fred was my son and Fred's son, Michael, played Tee-ball together. I was just starting out in law enforcement with less than a year at WPB PD when Fred was taken from us by four drug-running thugs. He was alone on the turnpike and one snuck up behind him with a gun. I still vividly recall the hospital chaotic ER with all those big Troopers with tears on their cheeks, then later at my first (sadly, of many) police funeral. After the funeral back at his house, you couldn't move sideways because all his Brothers were there to pay their last respects to Fred's wife and children. My wife, my family, all of my and Fred's friends from baseball, and a few older Troopers I knew tried their best to get me to get out of law enforcement. I just retired on July 1, 2022.
My wife, son, and I talk frequently about Fred and miss him to this day. I followed Michael's baseball career through high school where he played for Wellington HS, but I lost contact after that. Fred was one of the kindest, funniest LEOs I ever met. Rest in Peace, Sir. We have the watch.
Ofc John Connacher
Lake Clarke Shores PD (Ret)
October 4, 2022
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