Police Officer Harold G. Roughley, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Harold G. Roughley

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Monday, May 5, 1919

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Harold G. Roughley

Police Officer Roughley was shot and killed while attempting to investigate a murder that took place earlier in the week.

Officer Roughly, who was in plain clothes, went to the home of a person of interest for questioning at 511 Clinton Street. He was accompanied by other officers who approached the front of the home. He and a partner approached the back of the house and attempted to force entry into the home in order to detain a suspect in the case. The rear door of the home opened a crack and a double-barreled shotgun was used to shoot Officer Roughly.

A suspect was arrested and admitted to the murder.

Officer Roughley had served with the Detroit Police Department for seven years. He had recently rejoined with the Detroit Police after serving overseas in World War I.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 7 years
Badge 77
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender In custody

homicide investigation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Great Uncle Harold,
I never had the opportunity to meet you and unfortunately, neither did my dad, George Nelson Roughley. You were my dad's father's brother. However, my dad did pass down to me the few stories about you and that the family was proud of you. One other thing that my dad passed on to me was your Detroit Police badge #77. It broke my heart to see your picture here with that exact badge on. You see, it no longer looks like that. The badge contains three holes in it when the killer pointed the 12 gauge at you and fired, killing you. Thank you for your service and hope to see you in the after-life.

Dave Roughley
Great nephew

January 9, 2026