Police Officer Robert Buitrago, Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina

Police Officer Robert Buitrago

Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, January 15, 1994

Add to My Heroes

Robert Buitrago

Officer Robert Buitrago was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery at a grocery store where he was shopping, despite being unarmed.

The suspect, 38, was apprehended and sentenced to death. As of June 9, 2023, he remains on death row.

Officer Buitrago, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years, had served with the Winston-Salem Police Department for only 6 months.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 6 months
Badge 541
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to death

off duty, robbery, unarmed

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 28 Reflections

Officer Buitrago,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 15, 2019