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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Collins was killed when the patrol car he was riding in struck a tree during a pursuit.
He was assisting the chief of the Clarkton Police Department on a call when they were notified of the pursuit. Deputy Collins rode with the chief and they joined the pursuit.
The suspect drove for approximately 45 miles before he crashed into thick brush on Newkirk Street, a winding country road, near N.C. 701. The patrol car Deputy Collins was riding in also went off the road in the same area, adjacent to East Bladen High School, and struck a tree on the passenger side. Deputy Collins was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene. On February 24th, 2003, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 to 13 years in prison. He was paroled on July 30th, 2013.
Deputy Collins had served with the Bladen County Sheriff's Department for 18 months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
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
You barely got started.
Deputy Sheriff Collins gave the Bladen County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Elizabethtown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Collins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bladen County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 6 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 2001, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2001, 89 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 27. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
James was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 12.7% of these deaths in NC, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bladen County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 15.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Bladen County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bladen County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
