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Incident
Patrol Officer Robert Hatchell was shot and killed with his own weapon following a brief vehicle pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The stolen car went over an embankment near the back of the old Petersburg Hospital and the driver fled on foot. Officer Hatchell had chased the man into a ravine and was bringing him back up to Washington Street when the man was able to disarm and shoot him. Two passengers in the car identified the driver who was later arrested and charged with Officer Hatchell's murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. On October 13th, 1945, his sentence was commuted to life. Later evidence surfaced that pointed to the suspect's innocence. The two passengers, who at the time of the incident said they hitched a ride with the suspect, could no longer be located. He was pardoned by Governor John Battle on December 23rd, 1952. Officer Hatchell had served with the Petersburg Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and three sisters.
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.
Patrol Officer Hatchell gave the Petersburg Bureau of Police 15 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Hatchell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Petersburg Bureau of Police has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1943, 1 officer at Petersburg Bureau of Police was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1943, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1943, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1943, 86 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Petersburg Bureau of Police whose age is recorded, half were between 35.5 and 48; the middle age was 40.5. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. 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. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Petersburg Bureau of Police; February holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 40%.
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Petersburg Bureau of Police, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Petersburg Bureau of Police has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Petersburg Bureau of Police are honored on badge.nw.
