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Incident
Patrolman Crawford and Patrolman Dennis Spinnett were shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Douglas Drive at 2250 hours. When the officers arrived they encountered two men in the front lawn. When they followed the men inside a struggle ensued and one of the suspects gained control of Patrolman Crawford's service weapon. The suspect shot Patrolman Crawford in the throat. Patrolman Spinnett was able to return fire but was struck in the head. Both suspects were apprehended the same day. The suspect who shot the two officers was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms on May 11, 1977. He died in prison on March 14, 1995. The other suspect was convicted of being an accessory after the fact of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison on May 12, 1977. He was parolled on January 21, 1981. A few months later he was killed in Stanly County when an altercation resulted over a poker game.
Survivors
Patrolman Crawford had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife, mother, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Crawford gave the Thomasville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Thomasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Crawford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomasville Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 2 officers at Thomasville Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1977, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 25. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Thomasville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 30; the middle age was 29. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 1 years.
Robert was 25. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 25. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 25. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at Thomasville Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 60%.
January holds 6.5% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 19.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Thomasville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.8% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Thomasville Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Thomasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
