Trooper David Shawn Blanton, Jr., North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

Trooper David Shawn Blanton, Jr.

North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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David Shawn Blanton, Jr.

Trooper David Blanton was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on I-40 near Canton, North Carolina. A struggle ensued during the stop, and he was fatally shot.

The subject took Trooper Blanton's service weapon and fled the scene. He was apprehended a short time later by deputies from the Haywood County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Canton Police Department. He was subsequently charged with capital murder. The suspect, 38, was convicted of first-degree murder on October 14, 2010, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Trooper Blanton had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for two years and had previously served as a dispatcher for the Cherokee Tribal Police Department. Trooper Blanton was the first enrolled member of the eastern band of the Cherokee Tribe to be a North Carolina Trooper, and he served with Troop "G", District 5 in Waynesville. He is survived by his wife, a 2-week-old son, and his mother.

Trooper Blanton's son, Tye, passed away in October 2008 at the age of 4 months.

The tribal council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians named the bridge in downtown Cherokee Reservation over the Oconaluftee River in honor of Trooper Blanton. The North Carolina Department of Transportation named a bridge on Interstate 40 near Canton, NC, in honor of Trooper Blanton.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 2 years
Badge G-540

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

convicted felon, traffic stop

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 17, 2025