Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman John Robertson was shot and mortally wounded and his partner was slightly wounded by a man outside a local carnival.
The man became angry and left the carnival when the officers told him he could not sit in a section that was reserved for others. After the show was over he walked up to the officers and began arguing with them about the incident and then cursed them. As the officers attempted to arrest him he produced a pistol and shot them both. They returned fire hitting the suspect four times.
Policeman Robertson, suffering from a bullet wound in his chest, along with the suspect were transported to a hospital in Raleigh where they both died that night.
Policeman John Robertson was shot and mortally wounded and his partner was slightly wounded by a man outside a local carnival.
You are remembered today by a Durham native and the mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater who was also born in Durham, died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.
John, your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 106 years after your death and will continue to be.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 16, 1903.
Anonymous March 2nd, 2009
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- 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.
Policeman Robertson served with the Henderson Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Henderson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Robertson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman John Wesley Robertson 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Wesley Robertson's cause is highlighted.
How John Wesley Robertson Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Wesley Robertson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Wesley Robertson was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.