Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Scott Larkins succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on November 5th, 1978.
He and his partner were leaving a restaurant at 7033 East Jefferson Boulevard when they were ambushed and both shot in the back with shotgun blasts as they walked back to their patrol car. The subject opened fire from the second-story window of a hotel that bordered the restaurant property.
The man had a history of mental illness and held a grudge against police officers for prior commitments to mental institutions. He was arrested two hours after the shooting. He was charged with assault with intent to murder but found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state institution.
Officer Larkins medically retired as a result of his wounds. He died of complications of the wounds on March 9th, 2008.
Officer Larkins had served with the Detroit Police Department for seven years. He was assigned to the Harbormaster Section.
Dear Family and Friends of Officer Scott Larkins,
I am writing to express my condolences, appreciation, respect and gratitude for Officer Scott Larkins.
The selfless dedication, bravery, and commitment that Officer Larkins demonstrated in the line of duty is a testament to his character and a reflection of his relentless sense of responsibility to keep others safe. His sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Officer Larkins, exemplified courage and commitment, stepping into danger to protect the community and uphold the law. his dedication went beyond just a job; it was a calling that demanded unwavering strength and most importantly resilience which officer Larkins displayed day in and Day out!
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-68E5B21C- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Scott. 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.
Police Officer Larkins gave the Detroit Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Larkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Scott James Larkins 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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. Scott James Larkins's cause is highlighted.
How Scott James Larkins Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Scott James Larkins is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Scott James Larkins was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
