Police Officer John Thomas Burnette, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina

Police Officer John Thomas Burnette

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, October 5, 1993

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John Thomas Burnette

Officer John Burnette and Officer Anthony Nobles were shot and killed after a foot chase with a suspect.

The officers had stopped a suspicious van in an apartment complex. The suspect fled on foot into the woods surrounding the complex. When the officers entered the woods, the suspect attacked them and was able to disarm Officer Burnette. He then shot both officers.

The officers were transported to Carolinas Medical Center by responding officers, where both were pronounced dead on arrival.

The 32-year-old suspect was arrested nearby after a brief manhunt involving over 700 officers from various local, state, and federal agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Officer Burnette had served with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for two and a half years. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, and sister.

The city of Charlotte named a park and two streets in honor of Officer Burnette and Officer Nobles.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

foot pursuit, suspicious vehicle

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As my prayers of thanks for your life and service go out tonight, I also remember your mother, who is having to navigate these difficult days of flood damage. I have had the honor of meeting her in the past and know her to be a strong woman. I saw your sister on the news, showing relief and pride that your uniform was recovered. Surrounded by the support of Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD and Charlotte citizens that still remember and appreciate your service, I trust your family will get through this. They have shown the ability to get through worse. Time passes and the world moves on, but know you and Andy Nobles are still remembered, still mourned, and still appreciated.

NC Officer

October 5, 2024