Officer Robert K. Best, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer Robert K. Best

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Wednesday, December 15, 1982

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Robert K. Best

Officer Robert Best was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of an auto theft suspect in an apartment complex at 3200 Curtis Drive in Suitland, Maryland.

He and his partner were working a plainclothes detail when they observed the stolen vehicle. They chased the vehicle into Maryland where the suspects bailed out with the officers in pursuit. As Officer Best rounded the corner of a building the suspect placed a gun to his head and fired.

The first shot missed, but as Officer Best fell the man shot him twice in the back. The man was shot and wounded by other officers before committing suicide.

Officer Best had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for one year.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 1 year
Badge 1779

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Maryland
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide

plainclothes, stolen vehicle, foot pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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After 40 years I still remember every detail about that night. I was the first officer to respond for back up and unfortunately arrived just seconds before Robert was shot but thankfully was able to chase the subject down. I still regret to this day not getting there sooner. Rest in peace Robert, I haven't forgotten you.

Ofc. Ed Stulga
Metropolitan Police

December 15, 2022