Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman VanBuren Quarles succumbed to injuries he sustained as he and another officer struggled with a suspect. Patrolman Quarles and a second officer responded to a disturbance call on Oct. 18, 1941, regarding a fight at 3426 Junction Avenue and were attacked as they attempted to arrest the suspect. During the arrest attempt, Patrolman Quarles was kicked in the chest and stomach. The injuries caused him to suffer severe stomach ailments, and he died after undergoing corrective surgery. Patrolman Quarles was assigned to the Sixth Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, four brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-EFA1DF09- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Quarles served with the Detroit Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Quarles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman VanBuren Quarles is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,775 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. VanBuren Quarles's cause is highlighted.
How VanBuren Quarles Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. VanBuren Quarles is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. VanBuren Quarles was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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