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Incident
Detective Hale was fatally shot in the head while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect, 20, at an East Lenoir Street apartment building. Detective Hale and his partner were approaching the suspect's vehicle when the suspect fired a shot, striking Detective Hale. His partner returned fire, wounding the suspect, who was taken into custody. The suspect was convicted of Detective Hale's murder and sentenced to life in prison. As of June 9, 2023, the suspect, one of North Carolina's most dangerous inmates, remains in a maximum security prison under close watch. Detective Hale had been with the Raleigh Police Department for 7 years and was promoted five days before his death.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Detective Hale gave the Raleigh Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Raleigh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Hale.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Raleigh Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul 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 1997, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 35. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Paul had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Paul was 35. 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. Paul had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 7.3% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Raleigh Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Raleigh Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Raleigh Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
