Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Doughty was shot and killed with his own weapon while attempting to make an arrest on near Pier X on River Road. He was dispatched to the area to investigate a theft when he stopped a male and female subjects. After questioning them he ordered them into his vehicle as he searched their belongings in a bag. The male subject exited the police vehicle after refusing Officer Doughty 's commands to get back inside. The subject was able to gain control of Officer Doughty's Service revolver during a brief struggle and shot him. After being shot the first time a passing cab driver helped Patrolman Doughty into the cab but the suspect opened the door and shot him again. The shooter was apprehended and executed in October of 1947. Patrolman Doughty served with the Newport News Police Department for five and a half years.
Survivors
He was survived by his Aunt.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-0379680C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Doughty gave the Newport News Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newport News community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Doughty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles Nelson Doughty is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Newport News Police Department, 7 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Nelson Doughty's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Nelson Doughty Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1947
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Nelson Doughty is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Nelson Doughty was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Newport News Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
