Detective Thomas E. Kittinger

Detective Thomas E. Kittinger

Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, April 29, 1961

Add to My Heroes

Thomas E. Kittinger

Detective Thomas Kittinger was killed when he was intentionally dragged by a man wanted on a moral charge. Detective Kittinger was off-duty when he spotted the man near Jefferson High School. When he reached into the vehicle, the man rolled the window up on his arms and began to drive away, dragging him several blocks.

He was thrown to the ground when the suspect crashed the car into a second vehicle. The 23-year-old driver was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.

Detective Kittinger was a United States Army veteran who had been promoted to detective two months earlier with the Roanoke City Police Department. He was survived by his wife and 10-year-old son.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Sentenced to 20 years

off duty, arrest attempt

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

I am the great niece of Patrolman Kittinger and remmner my grandmother talking about him while growing up. My grandfather and mother both became LEO. I wish I could have know him.

Genesis Wilson
Great Niece

April 29, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.