Detective Russell C. Pettie

Detective Russell C. Pettie | Arlington County Police Department, Virginia
Arlington County Police Department, Virginia
Detective Russell C. Pettie

Arlington County Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, January 20, 1954

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Russell C. Pettie

Detective Russell Pettie was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant to a suspect who was known to be armed and dangerous.

The suspect was sought to appear at a sanity hearing, where his mother intended to commit him. As officers searched the house at 1808 North Taylor Street, shots were fired from an attic window. Detective Pettie was struck in the head and died instantly.

The suspect had barricaded himself inside the home with an arsenal of weapons and held officers at bay for three hours before being killed.

Detective Pettie was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran and had served with the Arlington County Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
  • Offender Shot and killed

EDP, warrant

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Det. Pettie,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 20, 2024

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