Sheriff Salvatore Frank "Tudie" Navarra, Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

Sheriff Salvatore Frank "Tudie" Navarra

Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

End of Watch Monday, May 29, 1961

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Salvatore Frank "Tudie" Navarra

Sheriff Salvatore Navarra was killed in an automobile accident during a vehicle pursuit over two miles east of Clarksburg.

As the pursuit reached speeds of over 110 mph, Sheriff Navarra's vehicle flipped over as he took a curve. He was ejected through the windshield before being crushed by his squad car.

The 18-year-old suspect was being pursued at the request of his parole officer for gasoline theft. When he was apprehended a week later hiding in an attic, he threatened authorities with a hunting knife. He was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest, reckless driving, driving without a license and failure to obey a police officer.

Sheriff Navarra had served with the Decatur County Sheriff's Department for nearly 2½ years.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 2 years, 5 months
Badge 16-1

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Charged

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Most Recent Reflection

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Salvatore Navarra was my Uncle Tudie and my God Father. He died in my Junior year of high school. I have many fond memories of summers in Greensburg. Family reunions on the 4th of July, at the city park. Uncle Tudie always brought a big tub of iced watermelons. He would let me wait on customers at his fruit market on the square. He was a funny, loving, caring man. When he became sheriff I always prayed for his safety. God took him anyway. He watches over us all now. I now pray for all of the officers and their family's who have been lost in the line of duty. See you on the other side Uncle Tudie.

Judy Foster Clark
Niece in Jacksonville Florida

April 25, 2018