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Incident
Officer Jenkins was shot and killed after stopping two men in a vehicle for having a defective tail light. When he approached the vehicle he asked for the driver's license and registration. The driver gave Officer Jenkins the registration but not the license. When Officer Jenkins asked again, the driver produced a .22 caliber handgun and shot him twice. The driver then exited the vehicle, took Officer Jenkins' duty weapon, and shot him several more times. Backup officers found Officer Jenkins still holding the registration card. As officers began a search of the area for the suspects, Officer Jenkins' killer opened fire on them from a house near the scene of the shooting. As the officers returned fire the suspect shot and killed himself. His companion later surrendered to officers and was charged with accessory to murder.
Survivors
Officer Jenkins had been with the agency for six weeks and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Jenkins served with the Bessemer City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bessemer City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Jenkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bessemer City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael 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 1972, 7 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 21. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Michael had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Michael was 21. 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. Michael had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 11.4% of these deaths in NC, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 14.3%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bessemer City Police Department. 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bessemer City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bessemer City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
