Prev
Incident
Officer Robert Timberlake was shot and killed with his own service weapon while dealing with a transient in the lobby of the Tampa Federal Building at 500 East Zach Street in Tampa, Florida. The subject had entered an elevator, and Officer Timberlake followed him at 9:45 a.m. While in the elevator, a struggle ensued, and the suspect gained control of Officer Timberlake's .38 caliber handgun and shot him several times. The subject was severely wounded by other federal agents when the elevator doors opened. The man was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the state mental hospital in Chattahoochee until he was ruled competent enough to stand trial, which occurred in 1980. He received prison sentences of 20 years for each attempted murder and 5 years for each assault, to be served concurrently with his time in the hospital. Officer Timberlake was a United States Army veteran who had served with the United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service for eight years and previously served with the Akron (Ohio) Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and mother. The Tampa Federal Building was renamed the Timberlake Federal Building in Officer Timberlake's memory.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnddmwpabw59995kxfqa- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army, salute.nw. One record, 3 gates. Robert is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Timberlake gave the United States General Services Administration 8 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert Lee Timberlake Jr. served in the the United States military (1941â1945) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 6 officers in DC were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 56. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 56. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 56. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.6% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 11.7%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 3.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service has 6 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Military Service
Robert Lee Timberlake Jr. served in the U.S. Army (1941–1945) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert Lee Timberlake Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service are honored on badge.nw.
