Patrolman David C. Douglass, Sr., Lower Township Police Department, New Jersey

Patrolman David C. Douglass, Sr.

Lower Township Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Friday, February 18, 1994

David C. Douglass, Sr.

Patrolman David Douglass was shot and killed while responding to a report of a burglar in the area of Sunnyside Avenue and Fieldview Avenue.

Patrolman Douglass involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect, who had just set a house on fire, when the man turned and shot him. Patrolman Douglass returned fire, striking the suspect in the hand. He was able to make it back to his patrol car to call for assistance but succumbed to his wounds.

The man who shot him was arrested six weeks later. He plead guilty and was sentenced to life.

Patrolman Douglass had served with the Lower Township Police Department for 18 years, as well as serving as a Lieutenant on the Town Bank Fire Department. He helped create the Lower Township SWAT team, he was an instructor at the Cape May County Police Academy and a past president of the Policeman's Benevolent Association. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and step-daughter.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 18 years
Badge 134

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

arson, burglary, foot pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

View all 34 Reflections

I remember David as a child. When I was a patrolman in Cape May Point. David used to come out to the patrol car when I drove by their house. He always talked about wanting to be a police officer. I remember telling him to keep out of trouble, and he did. I was working in Cape May Pd, Dave.boughr a black Corvette. I was the first person he came to see and show his jewel. Dave went on the join the Cape May County Sheriffs office. Later he was appointed to LTPD, again someone knocked on my door to tell me all about getting appointed. I believe I loved Dave as much as I did my own children. I now live in Texas, but on the day he was killed, I hold a memorial at my flag poll, flag half masked, and a candle burning. This is done at the approximate time of his death. May David Douglass Sr. Rest In Peace. I hope to see him in Heaven, so we can rehash our lives. I also went to high school with Davids older brother. He was also an ace of a person. I worked with their brother Russel in Cape May. Their parents raised good children.

Chief of Police, Bob Harpster Sr.
West Cape May Police Dept.

February 3, 2017