Newport News Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Thursday, January 8, 1970
Add to My HeroesWallace Earl Nesbitt
Patrolman Wallace Nesbitt was shot and killed while arresting a man for writing a bad check in the Sherwood Shopping Center. While handcuffing the suspect the man suddenly spun around, grabbed Patrolman Nesbitt's service weapon, and shot him.
Patrolman Nesbitt was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Newport News Police Department for 2 years. He was survived by his expectant wife, who later gave birth to a son. Patrolman Nesbitt's son went on to serve as a police officer in the Newport News Police Department.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 2 years, 1 month
- Badge 67
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsI was a Shore Patrol petty officer stationed on USS Enterprise at the Newport News shipyard in January of 1970. I patrolled Newport News on a port and starboard schedule, which means 3 days on two off two days on three off. I was assigned to the police station downtown, and pretty much took care of inebriated sailors. I remember all the shore patrol Petty officers were indeed very much shocked at the tragic death of Officer Nesbitt. It is interesting to note that the USS El Paso was being built at the Newport News ship yard at the same time I was on shore patrol duty. My hometown is El Paso Texas.
ATR-2 David J. Ferrell
United States Navy
February 20, 2022
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