Sergeant Joseph B. Jennings, Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

Sergeant Joseph B. Jennings

Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Monday, June 28, 1965

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Joseph B. Jennings

Sergeant Joseph Jennings succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 20 years earlier while attempting to arrest a man at a garage at Sixth Street and Centre Avenue Northwest in Roanoke.

He was investigating the suspect regarding the theft of an electric drill at about 7:00 pm. During the arrest, the two began to struggle, and the suspect gained control of Sergeant Jenning's weapon. The man shot him several times, including a shot that severed his spinal column and left him paralyzed.

The subject was arrested and served nine years for malicious wounding. Two years after his release, he was found guilty of second-degree murder of another man and sentenced to ten years.

Sergeant Jennings was survived by his children and grandchildren.

Bio

Age 74
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, September 26, 1945
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Served nine years

arrest, arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sgt. Jennings,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Roanoke City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 28, 2025