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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Being your first grandson, born 2 years after your injury, we spent so much wonderful time together in the confines of your hospital room. Every Sunday after church and many summer days I had the opportunity to learn life lessons from you. Regardless of personal challenges, we all have much to cherish in life through the love and enjoyment of friends and family. A truly great and kind man who taught me so much.

William J Jennings
grandson

June 29, 2023