Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman David Douglass was shot and killed while responding to a report of a burglar in the area of Sunnyside Avenue and Fieldview Avenue. Patrolman Douglass was involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect, who had just set a house on fire when the man turned and shot him. Patrolman Douglass returned fire, striking the suspect in the hand. He was able to make it back to his patrol car to call for assistance but succumbed to his wounds. The 49-year-old suspect who shot him was arrested six weeks later at his home in New York City. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life. He was granted parole in 2024 after serving the minimum amount of time. Patrolman Douglass had served with the Lower Township Police Department for 18 years, as well as serving as a Lieutenant on the Town Bank Fire Department. He helped create the Lower Township SWAT team, he was an instructor at the Cape May County Police Academy and a past president of the Policeman's Benevolent Association.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and step-daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-654BC6C6- 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.
Patrolman Douglass gave the Lower Township Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Erma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Douglass.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman David C. Douglass, Sr. 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David C. Douglass, Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How David C. Douglass, Sr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life; granted parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David C. Douglass, Sr. is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David C. Douglass, Sr. was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.