Red Springs Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, July 22, 1899
Add to My HeroesThomas Atkinson
Marshal Atkinson was shot and killed by the brother of a man he was attempting to arrest.
Despite being wounded, Marshal Atkinson was able to get up and again tried to subdue the suspect when the brother shot him in the chest, killing him. Both subjects then fled the scene.
The man he was originally attempting to arrest was captured in Portsmouth, Virginia, approximately three weeks later. A man thought to be the shooter was arrested in Concord, North Carolina, one month after the incident, but it was not him and he was released. Two weeks later a suspect was apprehended in Scotland Neck and released. In 1903 it was reported he was in the Virginia Penitentiary but it was not him. He was never apprehended.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender At large
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsWhile your killer may have never been caught and prosecuted, he surely faced a higher authority and justice at a later time. Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always sir.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 22, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026

