Patrol Officer Robert B. Hatchell

Robert B. Hatchell

Patrol Officer Robert Hatchell was shot and killed with his own weapon following a brief vehicle pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

The stolen car went over an embankment near the old Petersburg Hospital and the driver fled on foot. During the foot pursuit Officer Hatchell was shot and killed.

Two passengers in the car identified the driver who was later arrested and charged with Officer Hatchell's murder. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On October 13th, 1945, his sentence was commuted to life. Later evidence surfaced that pointed to the suspect's innocence. The two passengers, who at the time of the incident said they hitched a ride with the suspect, could no longer be located. He was pardoned by Governor John Battle on December 23rd, 1952.

Officer Hatchell had served with the Petersburg Police Department for 15 years.