Dennis Elisha LaPage
Incident
Private First Class Dennis LaPage was shot and killed by a suspect who went on a shooting spree following a three-car collision he was involved in at Cannon Street and Courtenay Drive.
The crash occurred in front of a hospital helicopter landing pad. Two flight medics who were eating at a nearby restaurant witnessed the incident and ran to the scene to offer assistance. As they checked the victims, the suspect reached back into his car and retrieved a handgun. He then opened fire, striking both flight medics, killing one.
The suspect then fled the scene and encountered PFC LaPage, who was working a uniformed off-duty security job at a private college dorm. Thinking PFC LaPage was searching for him, the suspect immediately opened fire, striking him in the head, back, and elbow. The suspect continued to fire several more shots before being apprehended by police on Meeting Street. PFC LaPage was wearing a protective vest at the time.
The suspect was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 23, 2002.
PFC LaPage was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Charleston Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two step-children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-BE8F2967- 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 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.
Private First Class LaPage gave the Charleston Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Dennis Elisha LaPage served in the Navy (1985â1991) before joining law enforcement.
Private First Class Dennis Elisha LaPage 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 SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Charleston Police Dept., 12 of 24 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Dennis Elisha LaPage's cause is highlighted.
How Dennis Elisha LaPage Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dennis Elisha LaPage is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dennis Elisha LaPage was killed by handgun; .40 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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