Police Officer Steven Robert Rutherford

Steven Robert Rutherford

Police Officer Steven Rutherford was shot and killed while working undercover, disguised as a pizza delivery person, in anticipation of a robbery.

That night, several juveniles robbed him at gunpoint at a condo complex on Thorncliff Drive. As he was complying with their demands to lie on the ground, his jacket rose up and exposed his gun, and one of the juveniles opened fire, striking him twice. Officer Rutherford got up and chased the juveniles approximately 200 yards before he collapsed as his partner fired from the delivery vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspects were arrested a short time later. The shooter pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to two life terms plus eight years. Another juvenile was convicted of murder and sentenced to 70 years. A third was sentenced to 38 years.

Officer Rutherford was a U.S Navy Reserve veteran and had previously served as an auxiliary officer for 17 months and had served as a full-time officer for approximately 6-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, sister, and brother.