Incident
Detective Barry was shot and killed by a man who had just shot someone during a break-in. Detective Barry and another officer were assigned to a moonshine liquor investigation in the area of Merrill Avenue (now Arlington Avenue North). During a stakeout to observe an expected delivery of contraband, a burglar broke into a nearby home and shot the resident. The officers heard the shot and saw the suspect run from the rear of the house. While pursuing him on foot, the man shot and killed Officer Barry. The second officer returned fire, killing the man. Detective Barry had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-0D43E5C5- 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.
Detective Barry gave the St. Petersburg Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Petersburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Barry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Wayne M. Barry 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 FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Petersburg Police Department, 12 of 16 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Wayne M. Barry's cause is highlighted.
How Wayne M. Barry Compares
Offender Outcome
Killed by another officer
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Wayne M. Barry is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Wayne M. Barry was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from St. Petersburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.













