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Incident
Patrolman James Flint was stabbed to death at about 10:00 pm while attempting to arrest a man who had escaped from the Virginia State Penitentiary in Richmond, Virginia. Patrolman Flint learned the man was at a tent revival at the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church and went to the location to serve the arrest warrant. He placed the man in custody and began to walk him to jail when several of the escapee's family members intervened. They began to struggle with Patrolman Flint and the man's father stabbed him several times, severing an artery in his torso. Patrolman Flint was taken to a local doctor's office but died approximately 90 minutes later. The escapee, his father, and his stepmother were arrested and charged in connection with Patrolman Flint's murder. Patrolman Flint was not a regular member of the Buena Vista Police Department but was filling in for a full-time officer who was on vacation.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Flint served with the Buena Vista Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Buena Vista community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Flint.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Buena Vista Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
James was 43. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 43. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Buena Vista Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Buena Vista Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Buena Vista Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
