Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Carter was killed when he was intentionally thrown from a vehicle on Dec. 11 while attempting to pursue a whiskey-runner. He observed the whiskey car driving on 11th Street, SW, and he flagged down the next car to pass by. He jumped on the running board and ordered it to follow the first car. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Carter, the vehicle was the pilot car for the whiskey car. The driver suddenly swerved and applied the brakes, causing Patrolman Carter to be thrown from the vehicle and strike his head on a curb. He died the next day.
Survivors
Patrolman Carter was survived by his wife and other family members.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-BDB5B840- 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 William. Claim this record.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Carter served with the Roanoke City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Carter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William R. Carter 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Roanoke City Police Department, 12 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William R. Carter's cause is highlighted.
How William R. Carter Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William R. Carter is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William R. Carter was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Roanoke City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
