Patrolman Dennis Franklin Spinnett, Thomasville Police Department, North Carolina

Patrolman Dennis Franklin Spinnett

Thomasville Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, January 8, 1977

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Dennis Franklin Spinnett

Patrolman Spinnett and Patrolman Robert Crawford were shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Douglas Drive at 2250 hours. When the officers arrived they encountered two men in the front lawn. When they followed the men inside a struggle ensued and one of the suspects gained control of Patrolman Crawford's service weapon. The suspect shot Patrolman Crawford in the throat. Patrolman Spinnett was able to return fire but was struck in the head. Both suspects were apprehended the same day.

The suspect who shot the two officers was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms on May 11, 1977. He died in prison on March 14, 1995.

The other suspect was convicted of being an accessory after the fact of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison on May 12, 1977. He was parolled on January 21, 1981. A few months later he was killed in Stanly County during an altercation over a poker game.

Patrolman Spinnett had been with the agency for three years and was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender died in prison

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It was my honor to have served with both Officers Spinnett and Crawford during the mid- 1970's when I was a young Police Officer with the Thomasville Police Department. Dennis and Bobby were fine Officers and well-respected. Back in those days we often worked 3 man cars with one officer always walking the down-town beat in all kinds of weather, and standing on the corner at the bank, for alternating two hour shifts while the other two patrolled by car; and then we switched. This went on with each Platoon and shift 24/7. So, we got to know each other pretty well as we all either fried in the sun, froze in the snow or got drenched in the rain before finally either cooling off, warming up or drying off on patrol in the car. I was greatly saddened to learn of the loss of my two former Partners. They were both young men with great promise and should have had a long career in law enforcement. It is always sad to see a young officer go down in the "Line" but when you know them it is even more difficult. May God grant them rest. Sleep well, Partners.

Dr. Jerry W. Leonard
(Retired) Special Agent-in-Charge US ACI/USI

December 11, 2024