Detective Thomas E. Kittinger, Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

Detective Thomas E. Kittinger

Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, April 29, 1961

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Thomas E. Kittinger

Detective Thomas Kittinger was killed when he was intentionally dragged by a man wanted on a moral charge. Detective Kittinger was off-duty when he spotted the man near Jefferson High School. When he reached into the vehicle, the man rolled the window up on his arms and began to drive away, dragging him several blocks.

He was thrown to the ground when the suspect crashed the car into a second vehicle. The 23-year-old driver was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.

Detective Kittinger was a United States Army veteran who had been promoted to detective two months earlier with the Roanoke City Police Department. He was survived by his wife and 10-year-old son.

Bio

Age 32
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile
Offender Sentenced to 20 years

off duty, arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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I am the great niece of Patrolman Kittinger and remmner my grandmother talking about him while growing up. My grandfather and mother both became LEO. I wish I could have know him.

Genesis Wilson
Great Niece

April 29, 2022