Incident
Chief Mitchell was stabbed to death while arresting a drunk man on Central Avenue between Second Street and Third Street. During the arrest one of the man's friends stabbed Chief Mitchell in the back with a butcher knife. Although mortally wounded, Chief Mitchell was able to shoot and kill the suspect who stabbed him. Chief Mitchell was the city's first police chief after the city became incorporated in 1903 and had previously served as special officer and special deputy for Hillsborough County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.
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.
Chief of Police Mitchell gave the St. Petersburg Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Petersburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Mitchell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
St. Petersburg Police Department has lost 16 officers; 12 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1905, 1 officer at St. Petersburg Police Department was killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 3.
In 1905, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1905, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1905, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 47. Of the 10 killed feloniously at St. Petersburg Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 44.5; the middle age was 38.5. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 47. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 47. 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. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 16.7% of these deaths at St. Petersburg Police Department; October holds the most, 25%. Mondays: 41.7%.
December holds 9.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Mondays: 10.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 16 deaths at St. Petersburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 8.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 1.5% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
St. Petersburg Police Department has 16 officers remembered here, James among them.
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James J. Mitchell Dec 25, 1905
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Edward Adolphus George
Sep 16, 1908
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Wayne M. Barry
May 23, 1929
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Eugene W. Minor
Oct 25, 1929
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Frank Arthur Pike
May 19, 1933
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James W. Thornton
Oct 16, 1937
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William G. Newberry
Oct 17, 1937
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James J. Goodson
Dec 25, 1947
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Gene A. Bessette
Nov 10, 1961
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James A. Krupp
Apr 15, 1964
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Charles Lee Eustes
Sep 24, 1967
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Herbert Ray Sullivan
Aug 18, 1980
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Jeffrey Adam Yaslowitz
Jan 24, 2011
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Thomas John Baitinger
Jan 24, 2011
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David Scott Crawford
Feb 21, 2011
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Michael Weiskopf
Aug 27, 2021
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
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